The Ayr Jets are one if the oldest recreational teams in Scottish ice hockey. Founded in 1983/84 by members of the American Air Force (hence the name) based in the area with some local lads making up the numbers, some of which still remain active members of the team presently. These players include new team captain Ian Devlin & defesive stalwart, Stevie Fawcett. Former captain, Graham McKinley hung up his skates at the end of the 2008/09 after being with the organisation since the inaugural season. The team celebrates their twenty-fifth anniversary this season.
Although not a founding member of the team, Jackson McBride was a very influential member who sadly passed away a few years ago on a business trip to England. Jackson was player/coach and liked by everyone, he is missed and fondly remembered. The Jets play in his memory and spirit of hockey.
The current team is made up of the afore mentioned players who have been here since the start and a mixture of young & older talent from varying generations. With the current state of ice hockey in Scotland, more & more young guys are having to turn to the "reccie" game and the Jets enjoy the benefits of players who can skate all night. The rest of the team, for the most part, learned their hockey in Ayr through the old Bruins/Raiders organisation and continue to enjoy their hockey in the "beer league" atmosphere created by the Jets.
Another old member of the team who deserves mention is bench coach Brian Mossie, who is ever present with his stop-watch.
The Jets' home is Ayr Ice Rink at Limekiln Road. Games are played on the big ice on Saturday evenings, with a face-off time of 6.00pm but they practice twice a week on the small ice surface to the side of the main arena at 8.00-9.30pm on Mondays & Thursdays. Although the facilities are not ideal, the ethos of the team is beers & cheers and everyone has a laugh (most of the time). However, even though training is on a small ice pad, the skill and depth (sometime not fitness however) of the team show through on the bigger surfaces around the country.
The St Andrews Hotel is where the Jets keep their silverware which has been growing over the past few years. The staff at the "St An's" are friendly and always welcome the team (except Dev) after practices and games with snacks and of course, cold drinks. We invite our guest teams to join us after games for a beverage and if needed accomodation is available.
If you have any futher information about the team or would like to organise a game against us, please contact us.
