MEMBERS of Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club have been getting their skates on ahead of the new season, after a tough few years.

The Dragon's playing surface at Deeside Ice Rink has been used as a Rainbow Hospital and then a vaccination centre during the Covid pandemic. However, after confirmation that the rink will be back in place this year the club is now bouncing back and has been accepted into the National Ice Hockey League's Division One North.

The Dragons have also announced a new coaching team led by none other than Mike Clancy, head coach of the gold medal-winning GB women’s team. He will be joined by Dave Clancy, another GB coach, Matt Compton and Marc Lovell. All four have grown up in the area and played for the club in the past.

The club has its first title sponsor in Aspray Chester, and its latest official signing of the season is Petr Valusiak. He most recently played for the Blackburn Hawks where he recorded 24 goals and 56 points in 27 games. Also recently signed are Matt Wainwright and James Parsons.

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said: "Asprey Chester Deeside Dragons have shown such forbearance during the fight against Coronavirus.

"The pandemic and the temporary loss of the rink has had a massive impact on the club, but it hasn’t held them down. Their plans for the coming season are nothing short of inspirational and I’ll be supporting them in any way I can.

"I’d urge local sponsors and audiences to get behind the club too."

Marketing Manager Mikey Rowe said: "Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons ice hockey club is very grateful for the support shown by Mark, Cllr David Evans, and Jack Sargeant MS when the club reached out for support as we started to prepare to bring ice hockey back to Deeside this autumn.

"We are currently actively looking for sponsors for the club and can tailor sponsorship packages to suit any business. If you are a business owner and would like to get your brand UK-wide exposure and support our not-for-profit club at the same time you can contact the club by emailing BeMore@DragonsIHC.com and one of our volunteers will be in touch."

The club say that fans should keep and eye on the club's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages in preparation for the upcoming fixture schedule which is will be released soon.