Junior Dragon Thomas To Run Half Marathon For Charity

Thomas Warburton
(Photo by Dragons IHC)

Kind hearted young Deeside ice hockey player Thomas Warburton is taking part in his first ever half marathon this Sunday to raise funds for the Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

Warburton is a Deeside Dragons Junior club player and has been playing with the Under 19 team this season. He has also made a number of appearances with the D2 Dragons side as part of their policy of giving senior league experience to promising younger players.

Thomas will be running the Liverpool Half Marathon this Sunday 15th March and explained why he decided to do this:

“I’m raising money for children at Alder Hey who are living with long-term illness and can’t fight their battles on their own.”

“I chose Alder Hey because, when I was younger, I struggled to see properly due to a turn in my eye. The staff there were amazing and helped me as much as they could, and this is my way of giving something back.”

Warburton has set up a Just Giving page for anybody who would like to support him in his fundraising efforts for the charity at:  https://www.justgiving.com/page/thomaswarburton14

Match Report: Trafford Thunder 11 - Connah’s Quay Cobras 5 (Challenge Match)

Scott Dutton was the Cobras' MVP away at Trafford (Photo by Martin Rybka)

Saturday 7^th March 2026 – Challenge Match: Trafford Thunder 11 - Connah’s Quay Cobras 5

The Connah’s Quay Cobras suffered an 11—5 defeat in their challenge match against a very strong Trafford Thunder side at Planet Ice Altrincham on Saturday.

The Cobras had a shorter bench than the home team and found themselves up against it in the early stages. Trafford opened the scoring in the 4^th minute and went on to lead 5-0 at the first period break.

Despite the final scoreline, this wasn’t a one sided game by any means and the shots on goal were pretty even throughout, it was just that Trafford were able to make more of their chances when they came. 

The Cobras picked up in the second period and their efforts were rewarded with goals from Mike Filek, Sam Plant, Sam Kennedy and Ellis Flanagan. Unfortunately, Trafford also scored 4 goals in the period and the score stood at 9-5 at the second interval.

Two more goals for the Thunder early in the third period put the game well beyond the reach of Connah’s Quay but the Cobras had the last word with a second goal of the night from Filek on 49 minutes to round off the scoring for the evening.

The MVP award for the Cobras went to team manager and coach Scott Dutton.

The Connah’s Quay Cobras train at 8.30pm on Sunday evenings at Deeside Leisure Centre and are always keen to welcome new players.  More information can be found on their website - https://cobras.hockey/ - and “Cobras Hockey” Facebook page HERE. 

Match Report: Hull Jets 2 - Deeside D1 Dragons 5 (NIHL Moralee Division)

Deeside's Jake Witkowski scored 4 goals away at Hull (Photo by Emilia Roberts Photography)

Sunday 8th March 2026 – NIHL Moralee Division: Hull Jets 2 - Deeside D1 Dragons 5

The Deeside D1 Dragons improved their chances of finishing as runners up in the NIHL Moralee Division table with a 2-5 win away to Hull Jets on Sunday.

The Dragons’ previous visit to Humberside had finished in a narrow 4-3 defeat but they had beaten Hull fairly easily 8-2 in the home game last weekend so it was all a matter of which Jets team might turn up for this encounter.

As it was, Deeside took the lead with a Jake Witkowski goal after 3 minutes and comfortably outshot the Jets in the first period.  Hull equalised on 17 minutes but a second strike from Jake just 22 seconds later ensured that the Dragons went into the first break with a narrow 1-2 lead.

The second period was closer and Hull equalised again on 29 minutes but, once again, Deeside edged back into the lead almost immediately with Witkowski’s hat trick goal. The score remained 2-3 at the end of the second period, leaving plenty for both teams to play for in the final 20 minutes.

Deeside finally put some daylight between the two teams with Witkowski’s fourth straight goal on 46 minutes.

Then, Noah Percival – impressively playing his second game of the day along with Dan Fadejevs as the pair had also turned out for the D2 Dragons in the mid-day face off game at the same venue – fired in the 5^th Deeside goal of 55 minutes to round off the scoring for the game.

Jake Witkowski was named MVP for the Dragons for his impressive 4-goal haul.

Sunday’s win gives the Dragons an 8 point lead over Telford Tigers, who are their main rivals for a second place finish, after the Shropshire side suffered an unexpected 4-7 defeat at home to Solihull Barons.

The Barons have now moved level on points with Telford and re-enter the mix for the runners up position.

With just three games left to play in the regular season schedule, the Dragons’ visit to Telford this Saturday 14^th March – 6pm face off - will be hugely important for all concerned.   

They are next at home on Saturday 21^st March when they play their last regular home game of the season against Billingham Stars at Deeside Leisure Centre.

Match Report: Kingston Sharks 7 - Deeside D2 Dragons 3 (NIHL Laidler Division)

D2 Dragons' Dan Fadejevs (Photo by Lewis Cleveland)

Sunday 8th March 2026 – NIHL Laidler Division: Kingston Sharks 7 - Deeside D2 Dragons 3

The Deeside D2 Dragons were also away in Hull on Sunday, and they slumped to a 7-3 defeat at the hands of Kingston Sharks. 

Deeside actually led after 0-1 after the first period, courtesy of a Dan Fadejevs goal, but Kingston scored 3 unanswered goals in the second period to lead 3-1 with one period left to play.  The final 20 minutes saw a veritable goal fest with 4 more goals for the Sharks and strikes from Rory Sillery and Chris Jones for the Dragons.

This was the D2 Dragons’ last away game of the regular league season. They have two home games left to play, starting this Sunday 15^th March when they entertain Billingham Buccaneers at Deeside Leisure Centre, 5.15pm face off.

Sutton Sting secured the Laidler Division title after a 2-5 win away to Coventry Blaze on Saturday.

Sheffield Titans are guaranteed the runners up position as they can’t be overtaken by the chasing pack who are now all jockeying for play off positions.  The match ups for the quarter finals are decided by final league placings and the higher placed finishers get the easier draw in the two legged ties.

The D2 Dragons have qualified for the play offs and look likely to finish in either 6^th or 7^th place in the table, depending on the results from their last two games and the remaining games of the other teams around them.

Match Report: Widnes Wild Women 3 – Solway Sharks Ladies 5 (WNIHL Division 1 North)

Widnes Wild Women and Solway Sharks Ladies teams with the Wild Mascot "Shadow" (Photo by Paul Breeze)

Sunday 8th March 2026 – WNIHL Division 1 North: Widnes Wild Women 3 – Solway Sharks Ladies 5

 The Widnes Wild Women put in a battling performance but narrowly lost out 3-5 to Solway Sharks Ladies at Planet Ice Widnes on Sunday.

Solway took the lead just 74 second into the game and went 0-2 up 5 minutes later. 

Widnes pulled a goal back with a short-handed goal from Lydia Lutwyche – her first for the club since joining just before the January signing deadline – on 10 minutes but Solway restored the two-goal cushion 3 minutes later and led 1-3 at the first period break.

The Sharks edged further ahead with a fourth goal on 23 minutes and then made it 5 at the mid-way point of the game.

Widnes hit back, however, with two goals of their own - from Lise Gillen on 35 minutes and Leen de Decker with just 27 seconds left in the period to leave the score standing at a relatively close 3-5 at the second interval.

The third period played out goal-less but Widnes did have their chances.  On 51 minutes, they were handed a 5 on 3 powerplay opportunity when Solway picked up a couple of penalty calls one closely after the other. 

The Wild Women called a time-out at this point to discuss strategy but, despite putting the Sharks goal under intense pressure, were unable to make the most of the two player advantage and the game finished 3-5 to the visitors. 

Jenny Hickey was the Wild Women's MVP against Solway (Photo by Paul Breeze)

The MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards for Wild Women home games are once again this season being sponsored by niche publishers Ice Hockey Review and, as well as the usual trophies, the winners also receive special edition pens handcrafted and donated by Anthony Stock.  

The awards were presented by the Widnes Wild mascot “Shadow” and went to Emma Miller for Solway and Jenny Hickey for Widnes.

The Wild Women are back in action against the same opposition this Sunday 15^th March at Planet Ice Widnes in what should be another highly entertaining encounter –  4.25pm face off.

MJ Clancy Named Player Of The Month For February

MJ Clancy was named Dragons' Player Of The Month for February (Photo by Shaun Bebbington) 

The Deeside Dragons Player Of The Month for February has been announced as Michael (MJ) Clancy.

Clancy played in 6 of the Dragons’ 7 games during February, scoring 1 goal – at home to Telford in the league - and 1 assist from his utility role, and picking up 2 penalty minutes.

Dragons Head Coach Mike Clancy said of Clancy:  

“MJ Clancy has been outstanding throughout February and fully deserves the Player of the Month recognition.”

“His versatility has been invaluable to the team, seamlessly transitioning between forward and defensive roles whenever needed. Whether leading the line in attack or reinforcing the back line, MJ has consistently put the team first and delivered strong, composed performances.”

“As assistant captain, he has led by example both on and off the ice. His commitment, work rate, and willingness to step into any position to support the squad highlight not only his playing ability but also his character.”

“MJ has done everything possible to drive standards, support his teammates, and contribute to the team's success.”

Previous winners of the monthly award this season have been:

• September: Matty Barlow
• October: Colin Cromie
• November: Jake Witkowski
• December: Ross Kennedy
• January: Jared Dickinson

The Player of the Month award is organised by Dragons D1 and D2 press reporter Paul Breeze and the trophies are sponsored by the Ice Hockey Review grassroots news website.

Enforcer Harper Handed 2 Game Ban

Will Harper (Photo by Keith & Jenny Davies)

Deeside Dragons’ popular “enforcer” Will Harper missed the two games at the weekend, having been handed a two game disciplinary ban for his fighting penalty in the Moralee Cup final against Telford Tigers the weekend before.

He was given a 1 match suspension for fighting and an extra game for having exceeded 10 disciplinary points, as he had already received a ban earlier in the season. 

The England Ice Hockey Department of Player Safety (DOPS) has a system which involves the accumulation of disciplinary points for committing offences and receiving penalties prior to, during and after games. When a player or team has accrued a certain number of points – according to a fixed scale – sanctions such as suspensions or fines can be imposed.

Two Telford players – Liam Bartholomew (2 games) and former Dragons player Brodie Jesson (1 game) were also given bans for fighting penalties incurred over the cup final weekend.

Deeside Dragons Weekend Report - 28th February / 1st March (NIHL Moralee Division)

Ross Kennedy scored a hat-trick against Hull on Sunday (Photo by Angel Devlin Sports Photography)

Saturday 28^th February 2026 – NIHL Moralee Division: Nottingham Lions 2 - Deeside D1 Dragons 5

Sunday 1^st March 2026 – NIHL Moralee Division: Deeside D1 Dragons 8 – Hull Jets 2

The Deeside D1 Dragons consolidated their hold on second place in the NIHL Moralee Division table with a six point weekend, winning 2-5 away at Nottingham Lions on Saturday and beating Hull Jets 8-2 at Deeside Leisure Centre on Sunday.

The Dragons had won their three previous games against Nottingham this season quite comfortably but, with the Lions chasing a playoff spot, Saturday’s early face off game was a much tougher proposition.

It took until the 17^th minute for Jake Witkowski to open the scoring for the Dragons but despite the Dragons outshooting the Lions by almost 2 to 1, that was the only goal of the first period.

Ross Kennedy doubled the Deeside lead on 22 minutes but Nottingham pulled a goal back to leave the score at the second break standing at 1-2.

The Dragons had more of the play in the third period – outshooting the Lions by an incredible 24 to 4 - and their efforts were rewarded with goals from Witkowski, Rhys Edwards and Damarni James.

Nottingham managed another goal on 55 minutes to round off the scoring for the game. Rhys Edwards was named MVP for the Dragons.

Sunday’s game against Hull was expected to be the tougher of the two weekend fixtures, with each side having one win each to date and both encounters having been won by a single goal margin. However, the Jets had exerted themselves to beat recently crowned league champions Blackburn Hawks 5-3 the night before and, after a close start, seemed to run out of steam

Ross Kennedy opened the scoring for the Dragons in the 10^th minute but Hull equalised just 2 minutes later.  Deeside edged back into the lead again with a second  Kennedy goal just 37 seconds after that and then weathered a disallowed Hull goal to take a 2-1 lead into the first break.  

The second period was pretty much all Deeside and unanswered goals from Colin Cromie, Theo Malone, Matty Barlow and a hat trick strike from Kennedy saw them leading 6-1 at the second interval.

Hull finally managed a second goal late in the third period but the Dragons had scored two more by then – both short-handed efforts – from Cromie and Jake Witkowski, to round off an emphatic victory.

It was a good all-round team performance, with 10 different players getting on the scoresheet, and MJ Clancy was named both MVP for the match and Player of the Month for February.

Following the weekend results across the league, Deeside remain in second place in the Moralee Division table with 73 points from 32 games They are now eight points ahead of Telford in third – who are their main rivals for the runners up position – after the Tigers dropped a point by only managing an overtime win against Widnes on Sunday.

Telford have two games in hand, however, and Deeside’s away game down in Shropshire on 14^th March could go a long way towards deciding who will finish second this season and, following the Dragons’ recent cup final win over the Tigers, that game is bound to have extra spice.

Before that, the D1 Dragons are away in Hull this Sunday 8^th March, 5.30pm face off. They are next at home on Saturday 21^st March when they play their last regular season game against Billingham Stars at Deeside Leisure Centre.

After a weekend without a game, the D2 Dragons are also away in Hull this Sunday 8^th March to face Kingston Sharks in a 12 noon face off and are back at home the following Sunday, 15^th March, when they entertain Billingham Buccaneers at Deeside Leisure Centre.

Dragon Jake Visits Frankie & Dan

Jake Witkowski with Frankie
at Alder Hey Hospital
(Photo by Dragons IHC)

Deeside Dragons star forward Jake Witkowski paid a very special visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool to meet up with 16 month old Frankie Graham and his father Dan.

Frankie is bravely battling a microdeletion of multiple chromosomes and dystonic cerebral palsy – the only known case in the world – and has had to spend 13 months of his short life so far in hospital undergoing countless tests and medical procedures.

Kind hearted American Jake presented his Moralee Cup Winners medal to Frankie and spent quality time chatting with the family, sharing stories and, hopefully, bringing a few smiles along the way.

Frankie’s dad Dan said:

“I just want to thank Jake and all the Dragons family for the support they’ve shown over the last 16 months. Ice hockey has been my escape from the hospital and the Dragons community is like a family, which makes me feel like I can just be Dan and take a break away from all the medical parenting. The club is in an amazing place and it is memories like this that make the club so special and shows the love that the players and staff have for their fans.”

Shortly after he was born, Frankie suffered a bleed on the brain, a devastating event that changed the course of his life forever. This injury resulted in a diagnosis of dystonic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his muscle control, movement, and ability to do the things many children learn naturally.

Instead of spending his first year learning to crawl, explore, and play, Frankie has spent over 13 months out of his 15 months of his life in hospital. These months have been filled with uncertainty, medical procedures, and countless appointments and MDTs, but also with remarkable strength, determination, and courage far beyond his years. Despite everything he has endured, Frankie continues to smile, laugh, and show an incredible will to keep going.

Because of his condition, Frankie requires specialised equipment and intensive therapy to support his development. He needs a suitable wheelchair designed specifically for his needs so he can sit comfortably, be supported safely, and experience the world around him with greater independence. This does come at a cost of around £5,000. Alongside this, regular physiotherapy is essential to help manage his dystonia, improve his movement, prevent pain, and give him the best chance to reach his full potential. Unfortunately, these vital supports come with significant costs.

A gofundme page has been set up for anybody who would like to help Frankie and his family: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-frankie-to-access-vital-equipment-and-therapy

and you can follow Frankie’s progress via a special Facebook page called FrankiesJourney777 here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588337301166