Ian Turley and the Journey with The Paisley Pirates
In 2021, we sat down with Ian Turley, head coach of the Paisley Pirates, for an insightful episode of the WildHaggis podcast. Known as the "sharpest dressed man in Scottish ice hockey," Ian shared the remarkable journey of his career and the evolution of the Paisley Pirates, one of Scotland’s oldest ice hockey teams. His story is one of passion, dedication, and community spirit, which reflects not only his personal journey but the enduring legacy of ice hockey in Scotland. - Photo by Al Goold
Ian's Beginnings in Ice Hockey
Ian’s first exposure to ice skating came through his grandparents, who weren’t avid skaters but enjoyed the occasional rink trip. Ian fondly recalls trips to places like the Magnum in Irvine, where he first took to the ice. “I remember those early trips to the rink vividly,” Ian says. “I wasn’t a hockey player yet, but that’s where the spark started for me.” By the time Paisley’s Lagoon opened, he was hooked on the sport, and his journey into hockey truly began.
As Ian describes, his early experiences were humble. He and his brother initially wore hand-me-downs and oversized equipment, learning the game on the fly. “We didn’t have fancy gear,” Ian laughs, “we were out there in ski gloves and borrowed helmets. But that’s the beauty of it—hockey teaches you resilience, no matter how you start.”
Joining the Paisley Pirates
Ian’s journey with the Paisley Pirates came full circle when he was invited to join the team after his junior career. At the time, the Pirates were undergoing significant changes, and the closure of ice rinks further complicated things. Yet, despite these challenges, the team endured. Ian credits much of this success to the Pirates' strong community and the volunteers who kept the club alive during difficult periods. “There were times when it looked like we wouldn’t make it,” Ian recalls, “but the passion of our fans and the dedication of the volunteers is what kept the Pirates going.”
In one standout moment of Ian’s career, he recalls a time when the Pirates were struggling financially, but through the support of dedicated fans and volunteers, they managed to keep the team afloat. “We had no money, no kit, and no clear path forward. But we pulled together and decided we weren’t going to let the team die. That sense of community—it’s what makes the Pirates special.”
From Player to Coach
Ian’s progression from player to player-coach happened naturally. His extensive experience coaching youth teams, combined with his leadership skills on the ice, made the transition seamless. “For me, coaching was always in the cards,” Ian says. “I wasn’t the guy who was going to win you the game in overtime. I was the team player, and I think that mindset made the shift to coaching an easy one.”
As a player-coach, Ian learned to balance the physical demands of playing while also managing the team’s performance. “It’s not easy to be both a player and a coach,” Ian admits. “But I set myself a role for the game, and my priority was always the team. If I could eat up some ice time and give the key players a rest, I knew I was doing my job.”
Building a Culture of Success
Under Ian’s leadership, the Pirates enjoyed significant success, winning several titles, including the Scottish Cup and SNL titles. Ian reflects on the importance of building a winning culture within the team. “Winning isn’t just about talent,” Ian explains. “It’s about accountability, hard work, and fostering a culture where every player knows their role. That’s what builds a championship team.”
The Pirates' victories weren’t just about skill—they were a testament to the team’s hard work, perseverance, and the strong community behind them. “Some of our most memorable games weren’t just about the score,” Ian says. “It was the energy of the fans, the camaraderie of the players, and the feeling that we were building something bigger than ourselves.”
Challenges and the Future
As with any sports team, the Paisley Pirates faced their share of challenges. One key issue Ian highlighted was the difficulty of balancing operational costs with the need to maintain high standards on and off the ice. “Running a team is tough,” Ian admits. “There’s always that financial pressure, but at the end of the day, we’re here for the love of the game, and our community always finds a way to support us.”
When asked about the future of the Pirates, Ian expressed hope for further development, not only for the team but also for the sport in Scotland. “We’ve talked about taking the Pirates to the next level,” Ian reveals. “But we want to do it in a way that doesn’t jeopardize the integrity or sustainability of the team. Whatever comes next, we’ll make sure it’s the right move for the club and our fans.”
Advice for Aspiring Players
Ian’s advice for anyone considering getting involved in hockey, regardless of age, is simple: go for it. “Hockey is the greatest sport,” Ian says, his passion evident. “It teaches you accountability, teamwork, and resilience—skills that go far beyond the ice. And the friendships you make? They last a lifetime.”
He believes that hockey is about much more than just the game—it's about the community and the lessons that translate to life off the ice. “Whether you’re 10 or 40, there’s always a place for you in hockey. It’s not just about winning or being the best; it’s about being part of something bigger. I’d encourage anyone to give it a try.”
Ian Turley’s journey with the Paisley Pirates is a testament to his dedication to the sport and the strong sense of community that defines ice hockey in Scotland. His leadership continues to shape the team, ensuring that the Pirates remain a beloved part of Scottish ice hockey for years to come.
Listen to the full episode with Ian Turley on Spotify here.
For more updates, follow the Paisley Pirates on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/paisleypirates
Instagram: @paisleypiratesofficial
Twitter: @paisleypirates
Stay tuned for more exciting stories and updates from the WildHaggis podcast!
