The countdown is on to the biggest ever gathering of former NHL players in Scotland.

They are flying in to take part in the Scotland Ice Hockey Cup which features three games at Murrayfield Ice Rink between April 20 and 27.

It is the first time players from the world’s greatest league, including several Stanley Cup winners, have laced up in Scotland, and the matches between the USA and Canada alumni are expected to draw big crowds to the Riverside rink in Edinburgh. Ticket info and face off times are here

The series also marks the largest NHL Alumni event ever hosted in the UK, and it features a special meet and greet event in the city on Friday, April 24, with games taking place on Wednesday 22nd, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th.

Stanley Cup winner, Milan Lucic tops the line-up at the first ever ex-NHL alumni games in Scotland (Pic: Derek Young)

placeholder image — Stanley Cup winner, Milan Lucic tops the line-up at the first ever ex-NHL alumni games in Scotland (Pic: Derek Young)

The rosters announced so far feature a host of players from the NHL teams including Detroit Redwings, Boston Bruins,. Montreal Canadiens, and the Philadelphia Flyers.

By far the biggest name set to lace up is Fife Flyers’ Stanley Cup winning forward, Milan Lucic who iced in 1177 NHL games with the Bruins, LA Kings, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers.

The Canadian roster also includes Mike Green who logged 880 games with Detroit Redwings and Washington Capitals, and Matthieu Perrault, who played in over 700 matches with Montreal Canadiens, the Caps and Winnipeg Jets.

They are joined by Karl Alzner, 686 games with Washington and Montreal; Riley Sheanan, 637 with teams including Detroit, Pittsburgh Penguiins and Buffalo Sabres; and Nate Beaulieu, 471 games with Montreal, Buffalo,Winnipeg and Anaheim Ducks.

The USA line up is topped by two Stanley Cup winners - Mike Knuble, who played over 1000 games with Detroit, Boston, Philly and Washington, and netminder Scott Darling who laced up with Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers.

The roster also includes Bobby Ryan, 806 games with Anaheim and Ottowa Senators, and Peter Mueller 297 outings with Colorado, Phoenix and Florida.

Billed as a “family-friendly celebration of international ice hockey” the schedule also includes a free youth hockey clinic before the Sunday game which will be led by some of the NHLers.

Fans can join the players at a special meet and greet at the Cold Town House in the Grassmarket on Friday 24th from 7:00pm. Ticket info here.

Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, said: “This is shaping up to be the biggest ice hockey series ever staged in the UK. We’re proud to welcome everyone to the Scotland Ice Hockey Cup featuring USA vs Canada for what promises to be a fantastic matchup – perhaps a repeat of the thrilling Olympic final – and an unforgettable atmosphere.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to see true legends of the game compete right here in the capital. With the free youth hockey clinic being hosted alongside the event, I’m sure the next generation will be inspired to grow and strengthen the ice hockey community even further.”

For more details, go to https://www.facebook.com/scotlandicehockeycup