The Ward family have confirmed that the sale of Dundee Stars to Michael O’Rourke and partners will take place at the end of the current 25/26 season. This will end a 25 year tenure of the family’s ownership.
The presence of a professional ice hockey team in Dundee owes much to the Ward family.
The family established the team in 2001 which initially competed in the British National League and Scottish National League before joining the Elite Ice Hockey League in 2010.
Despite being seen as one of the smaller budget teams in the Elite League, the team has competed, achieving a 3rd place league finish in 2013/14. In addition reaching the Playoff Semi-Finals in 2016/17 and 2021/22. The club won the BNL league and playoff double in season 2001/2002 with further success in the BNL playoffs in season 2004/05.
Steve Ward Director of Dundee Stars commented
“It’s the end of an era in terms of our family’s ownership of the club.
In the role of owners, we are very proud of the past success we have achieved. We have maintained a professional ice hockey team within the city. At times this has been challenging but we have enjoyed every minute of our involvement.
It must be said that we could not have achieved this without the continued support of our loyal sponsors, volunteers, players, friends and fans. We would like to thank you all.
However, we feel we have taken the club as far as we can and now is the time for new ownership to maintain and grow the legacy we have built, to further enhance and lead the club to new levels of future success.
The new owners are ambitious people who care deeply about ice hockey in Scotland.
The new owners intend to increase invesment in the Club and playing squad to take the organisation forward.
We as a family will, despite our ownership ending, continue to be involved in the day-to-day running of the club for the upcoming season to ensure stability and continuity.”
A spokesperson on behalf of Michael O’Rourke commented
“We are pleased to have finalised an agreement to assume ownership of the Dundee Stars. The club plays a vital role in the continued development of professional ice hockey in Scotland, and we are committed to building on the strong foundations already in place.
The Ward family, have stewarded the organisation exceptionally well over many years, and we are delighted that they will remain involved as we move forward.”
About Dundee Stars: Founded in 2001, Dundee Stars are one of Scotland’s premier professional ice hockey teams, proudly competing in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). Based at the Dundee Ice Arena, the Stars bring fast-paced, family-friendly entertainment to fans across the city and beyond.
