Running the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club This Season
The dedication, passion and hard work of the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club’s community has been paramount this season, as they have faced a series of challenges that have tested the strength and resilience of the club. In this blog post, we will delve into the key factors that have enabled the club to overcome these obstacles, from the invaluable contributions of tireless volunteers to the unwavering support from sponsors and commercial partners.
First and foremost, the heart and soul of the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club lie in its volunteers, the Dragons are a Not-For-Profit community-focused club. The club has been run exclusively by a dedicated group of individuals who have devoted countless hours of their time and energy to ensure the team’s success. From coaching and managing the players to organising events and maintaining the club’s operations, these unsung heroes have played a pivotal role in the club’s ability to continue competing at the highest level.
Furthermore, the unwavering support from the club’s sponsors and commercial partners has been instrumental in navigating the logistical challenges of the season. With an unprecedented seven away games at the beginning of the season, the travel costs quickly escalated into the thousands. Yet, thanks to the generosity and commitment of the club’s sponsors and partners, the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons were able to overcome this hurdle and continue their quest for victory.
The Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons faced unprecedented challenges this season, having not played for over 1000 days due to the rink being utilised as a field vaccination centre. The delays in converting the arena back to a rink posed significant challenges for the club’s volunteers. The delayed start to the season and a further small delay in the rink opening led to several fixtures being rescheduled. As a result, the club had to play double-header weekend games for all but one weekend from January until the season’s end on April 1st. Despite these challenges, the club was fortunate to receive support from Aura Leisure in facilitating ice time on Saturdays and Sundays. This support was crucial in enabling the team to make up for lost time and deliver an excellent performance on the ice.
Moreover, the 2023 season has been a true testament to the spirit and determination of the entire Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons community. Despite the challenges faced, including the relentless travel schedule, and no ice to train on for 3 months of the season, the club has managed to maintain its competitive edge, continually pushing forward and striving for success. The tireless efforts of volunteers, combined with the steadfast support from sponsors and partners, have undoubtedly contributed to the club’s ability to overcome adversity and continue to thrive.
A Season of Impressive Numbers
The Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club has achieved remarkable figures during this season, showcasing the immense support and interest from fans and the wider community. Over 7,000 enthusiastic spectators have flocked to watch the Dragons in action on home ice, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere that has undeniably contributed to the team’s success. This impressive turnout speaks volumes about the club’s growing popularity and the loyalty of its fan base.
A Thriving Online Presence
In addition to the remarkable in-person support, the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons have also seen a surge in online engagement. Throughout the season, the club has consistently received over 10,000 social media interactions every week, reflecting a highly active and passionate community of followers. Furthermore, the club’s website has attracted over 4,000 hits per week, providing fans with up-to-date news, match reports, and other relevant information. These impressive statistics reveal the club’s strong digital footprint, which has played a vital role in fostering fan engagement and boosting the team’s morale.
A Gruelling Journey and Impressive Performance
The Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons have also shown immense determination and resilience on the ice, travelling an astounding 4,600 miles to compete in a series of challenging away games. Despite the taxing travel schedule, the team has managed to perform exceptionally well throughout the season. Throughout 31 league games, the Dragons have scored an impressive 135 goals, showcasing their skill, teamwork, and commitment to the sport. These remarkable achievements have undoubtedly inspired fans and further solidified the club’s position as the club looks to improve and come back even stronger next season.
Overall, the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons Ice Hockey Club’s 2023 season has been characterised by a host of impressive figures, from the thousands of dedicated fans attending home games to the team’s outstanding performance on the ice. The club’s thriving online presence and the unwavering support from its community have played crucial roles in propelling the team to new heights, setting the stage for even greater success in the seasons to come.
Roll on September 2023.
The Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons are now preparing for the 2023/24 season and have some exciting sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to #BeMoreDragons, Click on the image below to register your interest.
