Introducing… Ice 2.0.

Built by the Club, For the Game

In a move that reflects the club’s forward-thinking approach, Ice 2.0 is one of Mikey Rowe’s latest in-house developments, designed to push the boundaries of performance, sustainability, and fan experience.

At the core of Ice 2.0 is a completely new process — using refined glacier water technology to produce a stronger, faster, and more consistent playing surface.

Early internal testing suggests the surface offers:

• Increased puck glide speed
• Reduced surface breakdown during high-intensity play
• Greater consistency across all three periods

Mikey has stated he is 98.7% confident the system will be fully operational in time for the start of the 2026/27 season.

“We’re always looking at how we can do things better. Ice 2.0 is about performance, but also about control — building something that works for our players and our fans.”

Smart Ice. Real-Time Data.

Ice 2.0 won’t just change how the game is played — it will change how it’s experienced.

The new surface will feature embedded sensor technology, capable of delivering live in-game analytics including:

• Shot speed on every attempt
• Player skating speeds
• Real-time puck tracking
• Heat maps showing territorial dominance

All data will feed directly into the big screen and live stream overlays, bringing supporters closer to the game than ever before.

Faster Nights at The Den

With the enhanced durability of the glacier-based surface, the club is also exploring the possibility of reducing or even removing traditional ice cuts between periods.

That could mean:

• More hockey
• Less waiting
• A faster, more intense match night experience

A Step Ahead of the Game

If successfully implemented, Ice 2.0 would position Deeside as one of the most innovative clubs in British ice hockey — continuing to build on the club’s reputation for doing things differently.

A fan demonstration event is expected to be announced soon, giving supporters the chance to see Ice 2.0 up close.

A packed rink.
A big opponent.
Everything on the line.

And today’s Playoff Quarter Final is proudly supported by KingKabs, a local company that keeps our community moving across Flintshire, Chester and Ellesmere Port.

If you’re heading to The Den tonight, this is the smart play. No parking stress, no rushing back to your car, just focus on the game and let KingKabs handle the journey.

Book your ride: https://www.kingkabs.co.uk/

Deeside Dragons v Widnes Wild

Playoff Quarter Final – 1st Leg
The Den, Deeside Ice Arena
Doors Open: 4:45pm
Face-Off: 5:30pm

Final Call: Tickets Close at 3PM

This is an ALL TICKET game.

No pay on the door.
No walk-ins.
No second chances.

Ticket sales close at 3PM today (Saturday 28th March) and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Secure your seat now:
https://shop.dragonsihc.com/tf_event/deeside-dragons-v-widnes-wild/

The Den. Under Playoff Pressure.

There’s something different about playoff hockey.

It’s louder.
It’s faster.
Every shift matters.

The Den has been building all season, and tonight it becomes a proper playoff environment. The kind of night players remember and fans talk about long after the final whistle.

Widnes bring the challenge.
We bring the noise.

Be There. Don’t Miss It.

Moments like this don’t come around every week.

This is knockout hockey, at home, in front of our crowd.
If you’ve been thinking about coming down, this is the one.

Sort your tickets.
Sort your transport with KingKabs.
Get yourself in The Den.

Because by 3PM… the decision is made for you.

#WeAreHereForTheHockey

The Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club, alongside Deeside Dragons Junior Ice Hockey Club, have formally adopted a new Civic Mission that places inclusive participation, player development and community impact at the heart of its future.

Rooted in North Wales, the club’s mission sets out a clear commitment to creating a sustainable and accessible development pathway from grassroots junior hockey through to senior performance level, ensuring that players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can access, enjoy and excel in the sport.
Recognising that ice hockey is more than a competitive game, the Deeside Dragons will use the sport as a vehicle to build confidence and resilience, promote physical and mental wellbeing, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and strengthen community cohesion.

The Civic Mission is underpinned by a series of key commitments:
Growing participation across Wales by increasing access to the sport for children, young people, women and underrepresented groups, and actively removing barriers to entry

Developing a clear player pathway through structured coaching, mentoring and long-term athlete development from junior to senior level

Supporting Welsh national team aspirations by working with governing bodies and partners to help develop players capable of representing Wales at national and international levels

Embedding education within sport through coaching qualifications, officiating pathways, leadership programmes and wider learning opportunities

Acting as a community anchor organisation by working collaboratively with schools, local authorities, community groups and charities to maximise social impact

Promoting equality and inclusion by ensuring a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all
The adoption of the Civic Mission follows collaborative discussions between senior and junior teams and key partners, ensuring a shared vision for the future of the club and its role within the region.

Dragons GM Shaun Bebbington said:
“This Civic Mission reflects who we are and what we stand for as a club. We are committed not only to developing ice hockey players, but to creating opportunities, improving wellbeing and
making a positive contribution to our communities across Flintshire and North Wales. This is about building something sustainable, inclusive and ambitious for future generations.”
The Civic Mission will guide the Deeside Dragons’ future activity, partnerships and funding ambitions, supporting the continued growth of the club both on and off the ice.

First of all, this is an ALL TICKET fixture. There will be no walk-in tickets available on game night, so if you want to be there, you need to get booked in advance.

Your season ticket does not automatically include entry to play-off games, but you will still receive your season ticket holder discount. We’ve made that process as simple as possible through our pass invoice system, so there is no need to mess around with discount codes or try to work out which ticket to buy.

Instead, every active season ticket holder will receive their own invoice by email, with their discounted ticket price already applied based on their pass type.

So, in simple terms, here is how it works.

Step 1 – once the game is set up and live in the system, Ticket Forge will automatically identify all active season ticket holders.

Step 2 – the system will then generate an individual invoice for each pass holder for this specific fixture.

Step 3 – your discount will be applied automatically based on your season pass category, whether that is adult, child, concession, family or sponsor.

Step 4 – that invoice will then be sent directly to your email inbox.

Step 5 – you simply open the invoice, follow the payment link and complete your purchase at your discounted rate.

That means no codes, no confusion, and no risk of paying the wrong price. Everything is set up for you automatically.

The main thing we need season ticket holders to understand is that you still need to complete the purchase once your invoice arrives. Receiving the invoice does not reserve your seat on its own — it is the payment of that invoice that secures your ticket for the game.

Please also keep an eye on your junk or spam folder just in case your email provider decides to be awkward.

This system has been built to make things fair, quick and easy for our most loyal supporters, while also helping the club manage what is expected to be a big crowd for a huge night of hockey at The Den.

So when your invoice lands, don’t sit on it.

Get your ticket secured, get ready for a big atmosphere, and let’s make sure The Den is rocking for playoff hockey.

The Deeside Dragons are delighted to confirm that Colin Cromie has signed for the 2026/27 season.

A player who has quickly become a fan favourite at The Den, Cromie’s return is a major boost — and we haven’t even reached the end of the 2025/26 season yet.

Known simply as “The Icon” among supporters, his presence on and off the ice brings a level of intensity, leadership, and professionalism that defines what it means to wear the Dragons jersey. Born in Schaumburg, Illinois, he brings that North American edge and work ethic that sets the tone every night, and since arriving in Deeside he’s done exactly that — setting standards, earning respect, and becoming someone teammates and fans look to.

But this goes beyond what happens on the ice.

Cromie has properly connected with this club. You can feel it in the building, you can hear it from the stands, and when The Den gets behind him, it lifts everything.

“In your head… in your head… Cromie, Cromie…”

It’s not just a chant — it’s a reflection of the impact he’s had in a short space of time.

Securing Cromie for 2026/27 is another important step in what’s being built here. There’s real stability in the group, real momentum, and a clear direction both on and off the ice. His return adds experience, presence, and that mentality you need if you want to keep pushing forward.

This also completes another key piece of the puzzle for next season, with the majority of the Dragons roster already secured on two-year contracts — and Cromie one of the few remaining players to be confirmed.

With the current season still very much alive, the focus stays on finishing strong over the final games and into the playoffs. But moves like this show exactly what’s happening behind the scenes.

The standards aren’t dropping. If anything, they’re rising.

And one thing’s for sure…

The Icon is back.

Hosted at The Bridge Inn, the night brought together players, staff, and supporters for a relaxed and honest chat about the season, the journey so far, and what lies ahead. From honest answers to a few laughs along the way, it was a proper Dragons night — open, engaging, and full of personality.

Those in the room were also treated to some BIG news ahead of next season — a moment that added to the buzz in the room and shows exactly where this club is heading.

Most importantly, the event raised over £100 for our Charity of the Season, Share — a brilliant result and a reminder of the impact this club and its supporters can have when we come together.

A huge thank you has to go to the team at The Bridge, who were outstanding hosts on the night, putting on food and looking after everyone from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere they created made the whole evening feel special.

And then… there’s Donny from Effin Terrible
He didn’t just show up — he covered the bar tab for the night. Every drink. On him. An incredible gesture that says everything about the kind of people around this club.

These are the moments that matter. Not just what happens on the ice, but what happens around the club, in the community, and between the people who make the Dragons what it is.

Shaun, Mikey, Mike, Jake & Jared would like to personally thank everyone who came down and supported the night. The turnout, the energy in the room, and the way everyone engaged just reinforced what we already know… this club is special.

It’s more than just what happens on the ice. It’s the people, the support, the togetherness — and nights like this are a perfect example of that.

Thank you for being part of it.

Amendment: Please note this event has now been moved to Friday 20th March.

The Deeside Dragons are giving supporters a genuine opportunity to go behind the scenes with the people helping steer the club forward.

We’re pleased to confirm a Fans Q&A Night, hosted by Donny Walsh from Effing Terrible Sports, with a Dragons leadership panel featuring:

• Shaun Bebbington
• Mikey Rowe
• Mike Clancy
• Jake Witkowski
• Jared Dickinson

This is your chance to ask the questions that matter most to you.

Event Details

Venue: The Bridge Inn**
Chester Road, Sandycroft, Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2QN

Start Time: 8:00pm

Tickets: £2 per person
Capacity: Strictly limited to 100 tickets

All proceeds from the evening will go directly to our Charity of the Season, Share.

Ticket Information

Tickets will go on sale at 8:00pm on 3rd March 2026.

They will be available online via:
https://shop.dragonsihc.com/tickets/

With capacity capped at 100, we expect demand to be high. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

What To Expect

This will be an open, honest and relaxed evening of conversation.

Topics are expected to include:

• The direction of the Deeside Dragons
• Reflections on the past season
• Behind-the-scenes challenges
• Operational insight into how the club runs
• Community growth and long-term sustainability
• Your questions from the floor

Donny will guide the discussion before opening it up to supporters. The whole purpose of the evening is transparency, clarity and connection.

With only 100 tickets available, the setting will be intimate, interactive and engaging.

Supporting A Great Cause

For just £2, you’re not only securing your place at the table — you’re supporting Share and helping the Dragons continue to make a positive impact beyond the ice.

Be Part Of The Conversation

The Deeside Dragons are built on community, volunteers and supporters. Events like this strengthen that bond and allow everyone to feel part of the journey.

Set your reminder for 8pm on 3rd March — and we’ll see you there.

We are delighted to announce that the S4S Deeside Dragons End of Season Awards Night will take place on:

Friday 1st May 2026
7:00pm – Midnight
Connah’s Quay Civic Hall

This is our night.

A night for the players who left everything on the ice.
A night for the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
A night for our sponsors who backed the journey.
A night for the fans who filled The Den and travelled the country in red, white and green.

Ticket Information

Under 16s: £5

Adults: £10

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Food & Refreshments

Bar food will be available to order from the café inside the venue throughout the evening.

We’ll celebrate the moments that defined our 2025/26 campaign — the big goals, the huge saves, the relentless battles and the memories that will stay with us long after the final whistle.

Player Awards
Speeches
Photos
Music & celebrations

Smart attire encouraged. Bring the energy. Bring the pride. Bring your Dragons spirit.

Get your tickets from 6PM tonight:
shop.dragonsihc.com/tickets

#BeMoreDragon

We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to both players for their time, commitment, and contributions during their time with the club.

Everyone at the club wishes them all the very best for the future.

End.

Please read the below information before our game on Sunday Night

This fixture is completely SOLD OUT.

There will be NO ticket sales on the day and no general admission tickets available at the rink.

If you do not already have a valid ticket, please do not travel to the venue expecting entry.

ENTRY TIMES

16:30 – Season Ticket Holder Early Access

Doors open at 16:30 exclusively for Season Ticket Holders.
If you are not a Season Ticket Holder, please do not join this queue as you will be redirected to general admission entry at 16:45.

16:45 – General Admission

General entry begins at 16:45.

ENTRY POINTS

We will be operating:

• The usual tunnel entrance (Season Ticket Holders MUST use this queue to get in at 16:30)
• Additional access via the north-east fire exit

Please follow steward guidance to ensure smooth and safe entry.

SEATING – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Seating is first come, first served within your available areas, however there is a designated away section:

Telford Tigers supporters are allocated Blocks 0 & 1 (the left side of Block 1 As you look up to the seating).
If you are not supporting Telford, please do not take seats within the away allocation.

To maximise capacity:

• Move fully along rows
• Do not leave single empty seats
• Fill gaps where possible

If a seat has a Season Ticket sticker on it, or a standing space around the boards is clearly being used by a regular Season Ticket holder, please respect that these are taken and reserved.

When a section reaches safe capacity, access will be temporarily closed. Entry will still be permitted if you are returning to a seat you are already occupying.

DURING PLAY

• Remain seated while the puck is in play
• Keep gangways clear
• Stay alert at all times — pucks can leave the ice surface

AFTER THE GAME

For safety and insurance reasons, no spectators are permitted on the ice surface at any time, including after the final whistle.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY

Please follow steward and staff instructions immediately and leave via the nearest marked exit.

This is going to be a huge night for the club.
Let’s bring the noise. Let’s respect each other.
And let’s make it one to remember.