The Deeside Dragons are proud to announce the signing of talented young defenceman Bailey Thomas, who makes the move from the Blackburn Hawks ahead of the 2025/26 season.
At just 16 years old, Bailey is already turning heads with his poise under pressure, excellent positioning, and willingness to put his body on the line. His maturity on the back end belies his age, and he arrives in Deeside with the drive and determination to grow into one of the country’s standout young D-men.
“I’m really pleased to be joining the Dragons next season,” said Bailey. “I will bring my all and try my best. I hope this move is the right one and I can improve as a better player. I can’t wait to meet the fans and hear you all next season at the Den.”
Bailey Thomas
Bailey will ice across the NIHL1 team, Dragons 2, and the U19s, becoming the latest young player to benefit from the club’s clear and ambitious player pathway — a structure designed to give emerging talent real development opportunities at multiple levels.
Head Coach Mike Clancy believes Bailey is exactly the kind of player the Dragons are built to support:
“Bailey is an exciting young talent who brings pace, energy, and a relentless work ethic to the ice. He’s a player who isn’t afraid to battle in the tough areas despite his age. He has a real hunger to grow and make an impact at this level and beyond.
As head coach, I’m always looking for players hungry to improve, who bring character and commitment alongside skill — and Bailey ticks every box. He’s got a great attitude, comes from great stock, and I know our fans are going to love what he brings to the Dragons, Dragons 2 & U19’s as part of our player pathway.
Welcome to the Den, Bailey!”
Dragons 2 Head Coach James Parsons echoed that excitement:
“We’re looking forward to working with Bailey this year. He’s a player who will bring a strong work rate and physical presence to our blue line — but most importantly, he has a great attitude and commitment. Welcome, Bailey!”
The signing is a major statement — not just for what Bailey brings to the blue line, but for what it says about the growing reputation of the Deeside Dragons’ development system.
While some organisations continue to rely on short-term imports or recycle senior players, Deeside are investing in the future — offering a real pathway for young, hungry players to step up, progress, and thrive. Bailey’s decision to leave Blackburn speaks volumes. At just 16, he’s recognised that if you want to grow into a top player, you need to be in an environment that backs you, believes in you, and builds a plan around you.
Unfortunately, that’s not something every club offers. For all the talent coming through the grassroots ranks, it’s meaningless without structure, guidance, and opportunity. And that’s where Deeside stands out. The Dragons’ pathway is working — it’s producing players, it’s retaining them, and now, it’s attracting them from elsewhere.
Bailey Thomas could have stayed comfortable. Instead, he chose challenge. He chose ambition. He chose Deeside.
Welcome to the Den, Bailey — the future is on defence, and it’s looking bright. 🔥
