Paisley Pirates

Paisley Pirates Ice Hockey Club
City:	Renfrew, Renfrewshire, Scotland
League:	Scottish National League
Founded:	1946
Home Arena:	Braehead Arena; Capacity: 4500; Ice size: 200ft x 100ft
Colors:	Black, Red, & White

The Paisley Pirates were founded in 1946 and are one of the oldest ice hockey clubs in Scotland and the UK (the oldest being the Fife Flyers).

History

The Pirates were one of the top teams in Scotland during the 1940s 1950s. They won the Scottish National League in 1948 (West Division), 1951, and 1954. They also claimed the Anderson Trophy as playoff champions in 1951 and the Scottish Autumn Cup in 1947 and 1953. In 1953-54 they won the Autumn Cup, the Scottish Cup and the Canada Cup.

Their success brought them to the British National League, but local supporters could ill afford to travel to Southern England and gradually support waned. Both Pirates' junior team, Paisley Wildcats, followed by the Pirates themselves were dissolved.

The Paisley Mohawks replaced them, but could not generate the enthusiasm of the Pirates. The Pirates were relaunched in the 1990s with the opening of the new ice rink and started living up to past glories by winning Scottish Division One in their inaugural season.

The following season the Pirates joined British League Division One and after more league reconstruction a few seasons later joined British National League which was the start of tougher times for the Pirates, where they regularly finished out of play-off contention and close to the foot of the table.

With the costs of travel to the south of England, the Pirates could not afford to continue play in the British National League so in 2002 the club made the decision to transfer to the Scottish National League where they continue to play.

During the 2006-07 season, the Pirates almost had to fold due to a problem with their home ice at Paisley's Lagoon centre. However, a late move to the nearby Braehead Arena secured their survival. In an eventful season, they secured the Scottish Spring Cup, beating the Dundee Tigers in the final.

After many ups and downs over the years the club was taken over by a group of supporters in 2010. The club was withdrawn from the (now defunct) SPHL during the 2009-10 season by the clubs then owner. The club joined the SNL Scottish National League for the 2010-11 season, which is where they currently play.