Deeside Leisure Centre – Sunday, 14 September 2025
The Deeside Dragons couldn’t have asked for a stronger start to their home campaign, sweeping aside the Sheffield Scimitars 9–0 in front of a loud and energetic home crowd at Deeside Leisure Centre. From the opening puck drop, Deeside took control and never let go, delivering a performance that was as ruthless as it was professional.
Rhys Edwards opened the scoring inside six minutes with a composed finish, setting the tone for the evening. Further goals from Ross Kennedy and MJ Clancy followed in the first period, with both coming on the power play as Deeside capitalised on Sheffield penalties to carry a 3–0 lead into the break.
The Dragons extended their advantage with four more goals in the second period. Jake Witkowski added two of his own, Edwards bagged his second, and defenceman Ethan Mayoh found the net once again to continue his impressive start to the season. Edwards would go on to complete his hat-trick early in the third, shortly after Matty Barlow chipped in with a goal of his own, rounding out a dominant night for the home side.
Sheffield’s few chances were snuffed out by Dragons goaltender Tyler de la Bertouche, who was once again unbeatable between the pipes. He stopped all 22 shots he faced to record his second shutout of the weekend, and his calm presence gave Deeside a solid platform throughout the game. His best moment came during a first-period 4-on-1 breakaway, where he shut down what would turn out to be Sheffield’s most dangerous opportunity of the night.
At the other end, Sheffield netminder Nicholas Winters faced an overwhelming 62 shots and made 53 saves. Despite the heavy scoreline, his performance was exceptional and kept the game from becoming an even greater landslide. He was named Sheffield’s player of the game for his efforts.
Deeside’s discipline, structure, and effort were just as important as their offensive flair. Colin Cromie was relentless throughout, driving play at both ends of the ice, while Mayoh remained composed under pressure and contributed at both ends. The Dragons also remained perfect on the penalty kill, successfully neutralising four Sheffield power plays — including a 5-on-3 disadvantage. Deeside’s penalty kill unit remains unbeaten so far this season.
Images Credit: Angel Devlin Sports Photography
Special teams played a key role, with Deeside making the most of their chances on the man advantage. Three of their nine goals came on the power play, and they finished the night 3-for-5 with the extra skater. Sheffield, by contrast, went 0-for-4 despite several opportunities and struggled to break through Deeside’s organised penalty kill.
There were a few scuffles and roughing calls throughout the game, particularly in the second period, but no major incidents and no full fights. Both teams played with edge, but it was Deeside’s discipline and structure that stood out.
After the game, Edwards reflected on a positive weekend and looked ahead to next week’s Welsh Cup fixture.
“It was a great weekend for us — we’ve started well as a group and built momentum,” he said. “I’m pleased to contribute, but now the focus shifts to Cardiff. The Welsh Cup means so much to this club and our fans, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
Next up for the Dragons is a trip to the capital, where they’ll face Cardiff Fire in the first leg of the 2025/26 Welsh Cup — a fixture that always carries added meaning for the club. For Sheffield, it’s back to the drawing board after a difficult weekend on the road.
Away Travel Tickets will go on General Sale Tuesday 16th After pre sales have been offered to fans who travelled to Sheffield last Saturday
Match Summary:
Deeside Dragons 9 – 0 Sheffield Scimitars
(Period scores: 3–0, 4–0, 2–0)
Scorers (Deeside):
Edwards (3), Witkowski (2), Kennedy, Clancy, Mayoh, Barlow
Goaltenders:
Tyler de la Bertouche (Deeside): 22 saves – second consecutive shutout
Nicholas Winters (Sheffield): 53 saves on 62 shots
Shots on Goal:
Deeside: 62
Sheffield: 22
Power Play Summary:
Deeside Dragons – 5 power play opportunities, 3 power play goals
Sheffield Scimitars – 4 power play opportunities, 0 power play goals
Deeside’s penalty kill remains 100% for the season
Penalty Minutes:
Deeside: 14
Sheffield: 10
