PRESEASON LOCKED IN
As the weeks tick by and September edges ever closer, the Drive North Bristol Pitbulls are delighted to confirm our preseason schedule ahead of the 2026/27 NIHL season.
Once again, we’ll face two familiar rivals in preparation for the new campaign, taking on both the Basingstoke Bison and Telford Tigers in back-to-back weekends before the NIHL season officially gets underway on 19th/20th September.
Bristol Pitbulls vs Basingstoke Bison
📍 Sat 5th Sept – Planet Ice Basingstoke – 6:30pm
📍 Sun 6th Sept – Planet Ice Bristol – 5:00pm
Bristol Pitbulls vs Telford Tigers
📍 Sat 12th Sept – Planet Ice Bristol – 7:00pm
📍 Sun 13th Sept – Telford Ice Rink – 6:00pm
🎟️ Both of these home preseason games are included in your Season Ticket package.
💬 Richie Hargreaves
“We’re getting excited about the new campaign. Last season’s preseason games against both the Bison and Tigers were highly competitive and gave us a real test ahead of the season. The opening weekends always have a great tempo as clubs look to test combinations, build chemistry and iron out any creases. If it’s anything like last year, supporters are in for two fantastic weekends of hockey.”
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL…
We told you to circle 29th and 30th August in your calendars. The Drive North Bristol Pitbulls are delighted to announce a historic preseason showdown against Elite League side Guildford Flames.
For the first time in club history, the Pitbulls will take on opposition from the very top tier of British ice hockey.
Bristol Pitbulls vs Guildford Flames
📍 Sat 29th Aug – Planet Ice Bristol – 6:00pm
📍 Sun 30th Aug – Spectrum, Guildford – 6:00pm
💬 Richie Hargreaves
“What an opportunity this is for the organisation, the fans and the players. As a club we’re always looking at ways to improve both on and off the ice and give supporters something different to be excited about. This will be a tremendous test for our group and I’m sure the players will be keen to show what they can do against Elite League opposition. I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring an Elite League team to Bristol and would like to thank Guildford Flames for helping make this happen. We also look forward to welcoming back a familiar face Matt Simpson who left the Pitbulls to join the Flames as a full time Equipment manager.
Please note: The Guildford Flames fixture is not included within the Season Ticket package.
Season Ticket holders will be contacted first and given priority access to secure their seats before tickets go on general sale.
Keep your eyes peeled for the full 2026/27 fixture list, which will be announced at a later date.
The countdown to hockey season is officially on.