Dumfries ice hockey tournament 'worth £180,000'

The tournament was held at Dumfries Ice Bowl

A week-long ice hockey tournament in southern Scotland has been estimated to have generated £180,000.

A section of the men's Under 20 World Championships finished in Dumfries on Saturday and was won by Japan.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said the event had generated significant income with many businesses benefiting.

Councillor Adam Wilson said it had been "professionally run by all concerned" and "provided exciting viewing for spectators".

"It has been a privilege for the council to welcome so many gifted young ice hockey players to Dumfries and to host our national team at Under 20s level," he said.

"It is great to see another world championship take place at the Ice Bowl and make use of the facilities it has to offer."

Project manager Struan Tonnar said it had been a "great week".

'Exceptional effort'

"The level of hockey has been fantastic and I really think we have given the hockey fans a great event to support," he said.

"The Ice Bowl is one of the best facilities of its kind in the country and we continue to deliver top-level tournaments with the confidence of Ice Hockey UK.

"This is due to the exceptional effort of all the staff involved and the small army of volunteers who give their time to help out.

"We look forward to bringing world championship ice hockey to Dumfries again in the near future."

Andy French, general secretary of Ice Hockey UK, said he had been "delighted" with the competition.

"Great Britain took Japan to the wire and really enthused the crowds who came along to Dumfries from all over the country," he said.

"The tried and trusted working partnership we have with the council enabled Ice Hockey UK to deliver this world championship to the same high standards as previous tournaments."