Ian Bancroft, Chief Officer Organisational Change at
Flintshire County Council said, "Flintshire County Council as of Thursday, 14 January
was hoping to resume operational responsibility for Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey
team, who are based at Deeside Leisure Centre. Since the Summer the Council has
been in negotiations with Red Hockey Ltd to develop the ice arena and the team.
These negotiations have broken down with both parties seeking an exit strategy
to conclude relations.
"At all times Flintshire County Council has tried to
reach agreement in a positive manner with Red Hockey Ltd. However despite best
efforts this could not be achieved given Red Hockey's inability to conclude
financial and contractual arrangements with us. The Council made clear it's
position to Red Hockey early last Thursday after seeking unsuccessfully a
number of reassurances through normal communication channels about Red Hockey's
willingness to complete contracts.
"The Council is
committed to ensuring protection of the interests of the team and ice hockey in
Deeside. Insecurity and indecision about future arrangements would not have
helped this to be achieved. As a result, the Council will be supporting the
team to move forward with the intention of ensuring its continued involvement
in the league this year and the future operation of the team. While we are
disappointed the relationship with Red Hockey Ltd has not progressed as planned,
we will work with Deeside Dragons and the ice hockey league to find the best
way forward for the team."
Red Hockey said: “Red Hockey can confirm that they were
advised on Saturday, January 16th, that Flintshire County Council had ended
negotiations concerning the transfer of ownership of Deeside Dragons and taken
back control of the club with immediate effect.
“Red Hockey are extremely disappointed with the manner in
which FCC have chosen to conduct themselves, having ignored all normal channels
of communication and announced their decision to Red Hockey’s staff immediately
before Saturday’s game.
“We are particularly disappointed for the Dragons staff and
fans, with the team being on the verge of a championship win, FCC have acted in
a way that can only cause disruption at a key point in the season and cast
doubt over the future of a number of vital coaching and team members.
“Whilst Red Hockey have made offers to resolve these issues
amicably, the recent behaviour of FCC has denied the club and the area the
opportunity of substantial further investment, building on the current season
of success, and suggests that they are intent on a course of conduct which can
only be destructive to the interests of the club and the fans. We wish to thank
the staff and fans at Deeside Dragons and wish them the very best for the
future.”
As you will be aware, we here at Ice Hockey Review are very keen supporter of NIHL hockey and hope that all goes well with the Dragons at this important time in their season. We will follow developments on this story and post more news once it becomes available.
