The Deeside Dragons are delighted to announce the signing of highly rated young forward Theo Malone, who joins the club on a two-way agreement with Elite League side Manchester Storm.

At just 16 years old, Malone is already regarded as one of the most promising prospects to emerge from the Storm development system in recent seasons. Born in Manchester and standing at 5’11”, the left-shot winger brings pace, creativity and intelligence to the Dragons’ forward group for the remainder of the campaign.

Theo arrives on a two-way contract, meaning he remains a Manchester Storm player while icing for the Dragons whenever available. This arrangement strengthens the Dragons’ depth while continuing the club’s long-standing commitment to developing young British talent within the UK pathway.

A natural give-and-go winger and playmaker, Malone is known for his speed, movement off the puck and ability to link play in transition. Despite his age, he already has experience across multiple competitive environments, including spells with Manchester Storm U16 and U18, England U16 and U18, and a season in Czechia with HC Energie Karlovy Vary U17, where he recorded 21 points in 29 games.

Earlier this season, Malone also featured on a two-way agreement with Hull Seahawks in NIHL before returning to the Storm set-up. He now completes the season as a Storm and Dragons player only, providing clarity and continuity in his development pathway.

His record at youth international level underlines his potential. Across England U16 and U18 competitions, Malone has consistently produced strong numbers, demonstrating both finishing ability and vision from wide areas.

For Dragons supporters, this signing also brings a unique opportunity to become directly connected with one of the club’s newest and most exciting prospects.

Fans will soon have the chance to own and loan one of Theo’s match worn jerseys through the club’s popular Own & Loan scheme. This initiative allows supporters to purchase a player’s game jersey, which is then worn throughout the season before being returned at the end as a unique piece of Dragons history. Full details will be released shortly.

Head Coach Mike Clancy said:

“We’re really pleased to welcome Theo Malone to Deeside Dragons. Theo has come through a strong development pathway, spending time in a professional environment with Manchester Storm, and that experience has helped shape him into one of the most exciting young prospects in the UK game right now.

A key part of this move is that Theo will continue to train daily with Manchester Storm, ensuring he remains exposed to elite standards, pace, and professionalism, while gaining valuable game time and responsibility with us. That balance is hugely important for a player at this stage of his development.

Myself and the coaching team have worked throughout the season to bring Theo into the club, and to see that come together is extremely exciting. It reflects the environment we’re building at Deeside and the belief we have in giving young players the right platform to develop.

He already shows a maturity in how he approaches his game, understands what’s required away from the rink, and brings pace, intelligence, and a real willingness to learn. From our perspective, this is very much a development focused move. We believe Deeside is the right environment for Theo to take on responsibility, refine his game in competitive situations, and continue progressing in the right way.

He’s hungry to get better, he’s coachable, and he fits exactly the profile of the player we want to develop here. We’re excited to work with him and play our part in the next step of his journey.”

Theo himself is eager to get started in Dragons colours and is already looking forward to pulling on the jersey in front of the Deeside faithful.

“I’m super excited to be a part of the team and Deeside as a whole. I’m ready to give the team my all and bring my skillset over to the group and hopefully help accomplish something this season.

I’m really happy to be here, meet the fans, and wear the Deeside jersey. It means a lot to get this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Supporters can look forward to seeing Malone in Dragons colours very soon, where his speed, intelligence and creativity are expected to add a new dimension to the forward lines as the club enters a crucial phase of the season.

Please join us in welcoming Theo Malone to Deeside.

Welcome to the Dragons, Theo.

The Deeside Dragons are delighted to confirm the signing of 17‑year‑old forward Noah Percival, who joins the club ahead of the new season on a two-way contract with Dragons 2.

Noah, a highly promising young talent from the Leeds junior system and a 2 way Bradford Bulldogs junior system, brings pace, intensity, and a strong work ethic to the Dragons’ forward group. He will be part of a structured development plan that includes ice time across the U19s, Dragons 2, and Deeside Dragons (D1) squads—giving him every opportunity to grow and contribute at multiple levels.

“I’m really excited to take the next step in my journey and join Deeside Dragons on a two way for the upcoming season,” said Noah.
“The club has a great atmosphere and a strong group of guys, and I can’t wait to hit the ice and contribute in any way that I can.”

Noah Percival

Head Coach Mike Clancy is confident Noah will thrive within the Dragons’ setup:

“We’re really pleased to bring Noah Percival into the squad. He’s a young player with real potential, great energy, and a solid work ethic—exactly the kind of character who will thrive in the environment and pathway we have created.
He brings speed and skill to our forward group, and I’m confident he’ll grow quickly within our system—U19, Dragons 2, and the Steel 4 Structures Deeside Dragons. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Dragons jersey.”

Dragons 2 coach James Parsons, who first worked with Noah during the early stages of his development, added:

“I first met Noah two and a half years ago during our initial trials when the rink reopened. I’m really glad he’s decided to join us this year and commit to the junior development program we have in place.
Noah will be training and playing with our U19, Dragons 2, and Dragons D1 squads—gaining valuable experience in different situations with U19 and D2, while pushing himself into the D1 picture.
Welcome to the club, Noah!”

This signing is another clear sign that the Deeside Dragons have got it right when it comes to junior development. With a fully connected pathway from U10s to U19s, into Division 2, and on to the Division 1 side, the club offers one of the most structured and exciting development routes in British hockey outside of the EIHL. The entire organisation exists purely for the sport of ice hockey, with every level aligned under one clear purpose: to nurture and promote the next generation of British talent. Young players don’t just play here—they grow here, supported by a close-knit environment that provides the structure, coaching, and opportunities they need to thrive both on and off the ice.
#BeMoreDragon #OneClubOneGoal

A native of Schomberg, Illinois, the 25-year-old forward stands 5’9” and weighs in at 175 pounds. He shoots right and is recognised for his high compete level, relentless work ethic, and deep commitment to team play.

“I’m excited for the Deeside faithful to watch Colin play. He’s a passionate player who brings pace & energy, along with a very high compete level. I’m sure his experience at the Junior, NCAA, and Pro level will positively impact the crew. I’ve known Colin since he was a young player, and he’s always been a talented contributor to every team he’s been a member of—both on and off the ice. The Dragons Den should be fired up!”
— Mike Pilon, Deeside Dragons North America Head Scout, Endeavour Sports Group

Cromie’s journey includes stints with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) and Nepean Raiders (CCHL), followed by collegiate hockey at UMass Dartmouth, where he was a disciplined, dependable presence on the blue line. Most recently, he iced for Forssan Palloseura (FPS) in Finland, continuing to build his game in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Dragons and the community,” Cromie said. “I had a great time coaching with Endeavour and Clancy’s development camp and enjoyed meeting some great people and fans. I really liked seeing the area where I’ll be living—I think it suits me well. I’m ready to work hard and help the Dragons achieve their goals for the season. I look forward to meeting everyone and being part of the community.”

Deeside Dragons Head Coach Mike Clancy shared his confidence in the new signing:

“Colin is well known for his on-ice work ethic and standout commitment to team play. He will complement our roster hugely. We had the chance to meet face to face at the back end of May when he supported camps with Endeavour and Clancy’s Goalie Clinic over six days. He’s a great character the home fans will love to watch on the ice.”

Cromie’s signing marks another important piece in the Dragons’ roster puzzle as they gear up for a big season ahead. Fans can look forward to seeing him in action when the puck drops in September.

Player Profile
Name: Colin Cromie
DOB: May 14, 1999
Hometown: Schomberg, Illinois, USA
Height/Weight: 5’9”, 175 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward

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The Deeside Dragons are proud to announce that fan favourite Jared Dickinson has signed a new two-year deal with the club—and will wear the captain’s “C” as he enters his fourth season in North Wales.

A dynamic forward with the ability to drop back and strengthen the blue line, Dickinson brings grit, leadership, and unmatched commitment to the Dragons’ dressing room. Now, as the newly appointed captain, he steps into a role previously held by club stalwarts Snip and Larry, who led the team with distinction for more than 15 years.

Reflecting on the news, Dickinson said:

“It feels great to be re-signing for another year—hard to believe it’s already season four!

It is an honour to be asked to wear the “C” for the Deeside Dragons. This club means a lot to me and my family, so to be given the chance to lead this group is something I am proud of. Snip and Larry have left a tremendous legacy captaining the club for the best part of 15 years, so this is a role I am not taking lightly.

So far it looks like we have a great mix of talent and character in the locker room and I’m eager to start working with the lads.

I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and doing everything I can to help push this team forward.”

Dragons General Manager Shaun Bebbington praised Dickinson’s re-signing and leadership appointment:

“Jared is the heartbeat of this team. He brings intensity to every shift, but more importantly, he brings integrity, accountability and a genuine passion for the club. The captaincy is a well-earned honour, and we believe he’s the right man to lead this group into an exciting new chapter.”

With fresh energy in the locker room and Dickinson now at the helm, the Dragons are gearing up for a season full of ambition, character, and purpose.

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The Deeside Dragons are proud to announce the return of a true club stalwart — Matt Wainwright has re-signed for the 2025/26 season, marking his 13th year wearing the Dragons jersey. A milestone that speaks volumes about his loyalty, leadership, and love for the club.

Reflecting on the journey, Matt shared:

“After a tough year personally with plenty of ups and downs, I’m glad to be re-signing with my home club Deeside for a 13th season. I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve started and pushing the club forward.”

Wainwright’s presence on and off the ice has been a constant through many changes at the club. This season, the Dragons will enter a new chapter without long-time teammates and club legends Snip and Larry, something Matt acknowledges will be felt deeply by players and fans alike.

“It will be strange for us all without Snip and Larry — two club legends who’ve left a real mark,” he added.

As the Dragons prepare for the upcoming campaign, Matt’s re-signing provides not only consistency but also a reminder of what it means to represent Deeside. A reliable two-way player, Wainwright brings grit, determination, and a wealth of experience that will be vital as the team pushes to climb the table and grow as a unit.

“Excited to see how the club continues to progress, and looking forward to seeing all the fans back in the rink come September. Let’s get to work!”

With “13 for 13” now locked in, expect Matt to bring the same heart and hustle that’s made him a fan favourite season after season.

Welcome back, Wainy.

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The Deeside Dragons are proud to announce the signing of Rhys Edwards, a dynamic forward whose arrival signals an exciting new chapter for the club. Known for his explosive speed, sharp hockey IQ, and relentless determination, Edwards is set to make an immediate impact both on and off the ice.

Edwards arrives at the Dragons following a season with the NIHL National side Hull Seahawks – a league above the Dragons – where he continued to develop his game at a highly competitive level. His experience at the higher tier, combined with his proven ability in our division, makes this signing a real statement of intent.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Deeside Dragons,” said Edwards. “Stepping onto the ice with the Deeside Dragons is an incredible opportunity. The passion of the fans, the ambition of the club, and the incredible spirit in the locker room make this a dream move for me. I can’t wait to pull on the Dragons jersey. I’m eager to grow my game, compete hard, and give everything I have to help bring success to Deeside.”

“I’ve watched the Dragons from afar for a while now,” Edwards added. “It’s clear that something special is building here. From the way the fans pack out the Den every week to the energy on the bench – it’s infectious. I want to be part of that energy, contribute to the team’s momentum, and play my part in the club’s future success.”

Edwards is no stranger to Dragons fans either. During his time with Widnes, he was a constant thorn in Deeside’s side – consistently putting up points and making his presence felt whenever the two sides met. That familiarity adds even more intrigue to his arrival, and fans will no doubt welcome seeing him on their side of the rivalry this time.

Head Coach Mike Clancy shared his enthusiasm for the new signing:
“Rhys is exactly the type of player we want in our lineup. His skillset, attitude, compete and drive are second to none. He will be a huge asset for us both on and off the ice.”

“It’s not just about what he brings in terms of scoring or playmaking,” Clancy continued. “It’s the example he sets in training, his professionalism, and his hunger to improve. Players like Rhys elevate the group around them.”

“It takes a big player to wear a club legend’s number – #5. These are big boots to fill, and I am sure Rhys will excel in doing just that.”

Edwards is expected to make his debut in pre-season at the end of August, giving fans their first opportunity to see the new signing in action. While details of the fixture are still under wraps, excitement is already building behind the scenes. With a blend of youth, hunger, and proven ability, Rhys Edwards looks set to become a fan favourite at the Den – this time wearing red and black.

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“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tyler to the Deeside Dragons,” said Mike Clancy, Head Coach of the Dragons. “His talent, presence, and experience between the pipes will make a massive difference for us. Tyler’s hunger for success fits perfectly with our ambition, and we’re confident he’ll play a key role as we chase more silverware this season.”

The Deeside Dragons are building something special — a team that reflects the spirit of our community, thrives on culture, and drives every player to reach their best.
The signing of Tyler, who will wear #42, is another huge step forward for the club, and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have both on and off the ice.

Tyler also had a message for the Dragons faithful:

Hi Dragons fans,

I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Deeside Dragons this upcoming season!
Knowing Mike and Dave already made this decision a no-brainer for me.
It’s a really exciting time for the club, and I believe in the vision for the future.
I can’t wait to meet my new teammates in September and get to work.

Let’s go Dragons!

#42

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The Deeside Dragons are thrilled to announce that American forward Jake Witkowski has committed his future to the club, signing a new two-year deal ahead of the 2025/26 season. After a record-breaking debut campaign, Jake’s return signals both his belief in the Dragons project and the club’s ambitious drive forward.

In his first season with the Dragons, Jake set the ice alight, recording an astonishing 110 points (52 goals, 58 assists) in just 30 league games. He added another 3 points in the Welsh Cup Final and 5 points in the NIHL 1 North Cup, cementing his status as one of the most dangerous offensive talents in the league. His impact was immediate and historic—Jake now holds the Franchise Record for Most Points in a Single Season.

This new contract isn’t just about goals and assists—it marks a new chapter. Jake Witkowski will step into a player-coach role, supporting the bench while continuing to lead on the ice. Off the ice, Jake will also take up a newly-created position as Business Director, helping grow the club’s commercial and community operations as we enter a pivotal period in our development.

Jake’s passion for the sport and commitment to grassroots hockey shines through in his dedication to the wider Dragons family. He will also work closely with the Deeside Junior Ice Hockey Club and play a key role in the club’s Skilz Lab programme, helping to nurture the next generation of players across North Wales.

Jake Witkowski said:
“Can’t express how excited I am to be staying in Deeside. The support from our fans and community has been awesome this year. I look forward to helping the club strive towards bigger goals, build something special, and make the next seasons one to remember—both on and off the ice. See you all at the Den.”

General Manager Shaun Bebbington added:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Jake re-sign with us for the next two seasons. He’s not only a tremendous talent on the ice, but also a key leader in our locker room and a fan favorite. Bringing Jake back was a top priority — his skill, work ethic, and passion for the game embody everything we’re building here.
This is an exciting moment for our club and our fans. As we continue to grow stronger both on and off the ice, Jake’s presence will be instrumental in driving that progress. The energy he brings is contagious, and we know our supporters will be just as excited as we are to see him in our colors again. We can’t wait to get going and build something special together.”

Head Coach Mike Clancy said:
“Jake’s re-signing is a massive statement of intent. His impact last season was phenomenal—not just on the scoresheet, but in the way he carried himself, motivated his teammates, and represented the club. I’m really looking forward to working more closely with him in his player-coach capacity. He has a great hockey mind and a genuine love for developing others. With Jake on board, we’re taking a huge step forward in shaping a team and culture that can achieve big things.”