DEAN EASTWOOD - DUNDEE TIGERS - 1987

I'm gonna squeeze in a few music items now before it gets all Christmassy in December, so the next couple of weeks will consist of a rummage through some old publications and a dip into Dundee's back catalogue.
It's The Old Tay Whistle Test!
Let's get our toes tapping with this...(snigger)...classic, from our very own singing minstrel (or should that be mincetrel?!) Dean Eastwood.
The tune is called "The Tigers Of Dundee" and is a song about the Dundee Tigers, the ice hockey team who's 2nd generation incarnation formed in 1987.
Perhaps Dean's regular visits to the Kingsway Ice Rink explains his choice of footwear!
Thanks to the Bear.

DUNDEE ROCKETS - EARLY 80'S

Not a brilliant quality shot but it's the only picture I have of the Dundee Rockets from the period I went to see them play.
Ex Craigie High School pupil, Jim Pennycook, is 2nd from the right in the centre row.

DUNDEE ROCKETS PROGRAMME - 1983

Yes the Dundee Rockets were one of the best teams in the UK in the 1980's when I went to see them play, and they ended up winning a variety of titles during this period.
One of the other reasons I used to watch them was because my old Craigie High School classmate, Jim Pennycook, played for them. I remember him being one of the top players for CHS hockey team, and he then went on to become a bit of a star for Dundee. Last I heard he was coaching down South.
As regards the above match against the Panthers, well from what I can make out from my scribblings inside the programme, the Rockets appeared to have won 5-0. Goals by R Wood - A Leblanc - R Halpin and 2 by C Brinster.

THE ICE RINK - KINGSWAY

My first visit to the Ice Rink, ironically, didn't involve any ice! It was for a 5-a-side football tournament that took place in the mid 70's. Both Dundee and Dundee United were in with those participating, however, I'm afraid I can't recall any details as to the outcome of the event. The place was filled to capacity though and there was a great atmosphere.
I did manage to venture up later to catch some ice hockey games in the early 80's. The Dundee Rockets were a top notch team back then and they won numerous championships, so it was a great time to go see them play.
The Ice Rink also occasionally put on a variety of other functions such as live gigs, discos ( called Dice-cos, featuring the sounds of Vital Spark), and obviously you could go skating, try curling, then visit their restaurant.
I never did get around to sampling the skating sessions mind you.
In the above photo, the main entrance to the rink is just out of shot to the left. The Ice Rink finally closed down around 1993.
Photo by DC Thomson.Tints by GG.