Deeside Dragons and Manchester Storm Strengthen Partnership

This is a big moment for ice hockey in Deeside.

The Deeside Dragons and Manchester Storm are proud to announce a strengthened partnership between the two clubs, creating an exciting new chapter for player development, British ice hockey and the future pathway between Elite League and senior hockey.

For the Dragons, this partnership is a huge vote of confidence in the club, the fanbase and the facilities we have here in Deeside. The Den has become one of the most exciting places to play in the league, and this link-up shows that Deeside is not only a home for passionate senior hockey, but also a place where talented young British players can develop in the right environment.

Manchester Storm will continue to support the Dragons with young British players from within their organisation, while also expanding opportunities for Storm Academy athletes to gain valuable senior experience in a competitive environment.

Dragons fans have already seen the benefit of this relationship, with Tyle De la Bertouche, Baily Thomas, Theo Malone and Jace Gledhill all involved with the Dragons on two-way development arrangements last season.

Those links gave supporters at The Den a first-hand look at the quality, professionalism and potential coming through the Manchester Storm development pathway, while giving young British players valuable senior hockey experience in a competitive environment.

Now, both organisations are committed to taking that partnership to the next level.

As part of the link-up, Manchester Storm will also use Deeside Leisure Centre as an additional training base, with the venue’s Olympic-sized ice pad, gym and spa facilities making it an ideal second home for an elite-level organisation.

For Deeside, this is another proud reminder of the facility we have right here in North Wales. The Den has always been a special place for our players, volunteers and supporters, but this partnership shows that Deeside is also a venue capable of supporting the demands of professional ice hockey.

Deeside Dragons Head Coach Mike Clancy believes the partnership is an exciting step forward for both clubs, but especially for the development of young British players.

“This partnership is a really exciting step forward for both organisations and, more importantly, for the development of young British players.

“Manchester Storm and Deeside Dragons share the same ambition when it comes to creating opportunities for players to grow, compete and progress through the game at the right level. Having that pathway between the clubs is hugely important for the future of British ice hockey.

“We’ve already seen the quality and professionalism that young Storm players can bring into our environment, and I’m excited to continue building on that relationship moving forward.

“Personally, I’m looking forward to working closely alongside Cam Critchlow and Ryan Finnerty. They are both people who care deeply about player development, and together we can help create an environment where young players are challenged, supported and prepared for the next stage of their careers.

“For Deeside, this is a fantastic opportunity. Our fans create one of the best atmospheres in the league, and giving young players the chance to develop in front of that support is something that will benefit everyone involved.

“This partnership is about building for the future, and it’s an exciting time for hockey in Deeside.”

For the Dragons, the partnership gives the club a stronger route to bring exciting young British players into the team, while giving those players the chance to learn the senior game in front of one of the loudest and most passionate fanbases in the league.

For supporters, it means more emerging talent, more exciting players wearing the Dragons jersey and even more reasons to be at The Den.

The Deeside Dragons have always been proud of our role in the local community, but we also want to be a club that helps British ice hockey move forward. Working alongside Manchester Storm gives us a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that.

This partnership is not only important for the senior team, it also has the potential to benefit the wider Deeside Dragons junior setup. For young local players coming through the game in Deeside, having a stronger connection with an Elite League organisation creates something exciting to aim for and shows that there can be a genuine pathway from grassroots hockey in North Wales towards the highest level of the British game.

That is a powerful message for our club, our juniors and every young player who dreams of seeing how far hockey can take them.

For Manchester Storm, the partnership represents another major step in building a long-term development model capable of producing and supporting the next generation of British talent.

Ryan Finnerty, General Manager of Manchester Storm, believes the relationship is hugely important for the future of the Storm organisation and the development pathway they are continuing to build.

“This partnership is hugely important for the future of Manchester Storm and the elite development pathway we are continuing to build throughout the organisation.

“From ownership, management and coaching staff right through to the players and supporters, there’s a real alignment between both clubs and what we want to achieve together. Deeside has become a fantastic environment for young players to develop, gain senior experience and continue progressing within an elite structure.

“There’s a real passion for hockey in Deeside, and the support around the club creates an environment that is hugely valuable for developing young players both on and off the ice.

“The facilities at Deeside Leisure Centre are outstanding and we’re looking forward to it becoming a real home away from home for our organisation. Having access to an Olympic-sized ice pad and elite training environment gives us another fantastic base to work from as we continue building for the future.

“This partnership creates genuine opportunities for young British players. We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely together under the same umbrella, further strengthening the pathway between our academy system and senior hockey while creating more opportunities for talented British players to shine through our development programme.

“It’s a partnership that will not only help both clubs play an important role in developing the next generation of talent, but also continue strengthening the game in the UK for years to come.”

Ryan Finnerty, General Manager, Manchester Storm

With Manchester Storm preparing for an exciting new era at the AO Arena, the strengthened relationship with Deeside Dragons forms another key part of a long-term vision both on and off the ice.

For Deeside, it further reinforces The Den’s reputation as one of the most respected and best-supported venues in British ice hockey.

Dragons fans can look forward to seeing more young British talent grace the ice at Deeside, learning the senior game, representing the Dragons and developing in front of a fanbase that continues to make The Den one of the most exciting places to play in the league.

This is more than a partnership between two clubs.

It is a commitment to player development, opportunity and the future of British ice hockey.

Together, Manchester Storm and Deeside Dragons are creating a pathway designed to strengthen the game for years to come.

And this is only the beginning.