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.”

Mike Clancy, Head Coach, Deeside Dragons

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.

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 now:
https://dragonsihc.co.uk/tf_event/one-room-one-unforgettable-night/

#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.