The Deeside Dragons put on an offensive clinic in Sheffield, overpowering the Scimitars 10-4 in a game filled with high-energy play, big hits, and relentless attacking pressure. Backed by their ever-loyal travelling supporters, the Dragons controlled much of the contest, though Sheffield had their moments of resilience. Remarkably, the Dragons travelled with only three recognised defenceman, making their defensive effort even more impressive.
First Period: Dragons Strike Early
The game opened with intensity, as both teams looked to assert themselves early. Deeside had a good share of the puck in the opening minutes, cycling well in the offensive zone and testing Sheffield’s defence. However, the Scimitars stood firm, keeping the Dragons at bay and looking to capitalise on quick breakouts.
It was a cagey start, with neither side wanting to make the first mistake. The Dragons pressed hard, but Sheffield’s goaltender and defensive unit absorbed the pressure well. Both teams had chances to break the deadlock, with Deeside generating sustained offensive pressure and Sheffield looking dangerous on the counter.
It took until the 17th minute for the breakthrough, as Brodie Jesson finally found a way past the Scimitars’ resistance. A crisp passing play from Charles Phillips and Jakub Hajek set up Jesson, who made no mistake in slotting home the opener. The Dragons had finally cracked the Scimitars’ defence, and with that goal, they seized the momentum heading into the later stages of the period.
Second Period: Dragons Turn Up the Heat
The momentum carried forward into the second period, as Jakub Hajek doubled the lead at 21:14, capitalising on a setup from Jesson. Sheffield responded quickly through Lewis Otley, who pulled one back for the hosts with a composed finish, assisted by A Dancer. But Deeside refused to let up, and Brodie Jesson struck again at 26:43, this time off great work from Ross Kennedy and James Parsons. Minutes later, Ross Kennedy himself got on the board, with Jared Dickinson and Alex Parry providing the assists.
The Scimitars managed to claw one back before the second intermission, with Kristian Pelling beating the Dragons’ defence off a feed from B Chard to make it 5-2 at 31:07.
Brodie Jesson completed his hat-trick in style at 34:59, linking up with the Phillips brothers—Charles and Henry—for a memorable family-assisted goal. Young Cody Ogden then buried his 4th senior goal of the season at 35:49, assisted by James Parsons and Charles Phillips.
Third Period: Sheffield Show Spirit but Dragons Seal the Deal
Jake Witkowski made it 8-2 with an unassisted effort early in the third period. Sheffield found some offensive life, but Deeside continued their march toward an emphatic victory. James Parsons notched his first goal at 45:06 after being set up by Witkowski and Parry, and moments later, Charles Phillips struck again, with assists from Ross Kennedy and James Parsons. James Parsons then grabbed his second of the night at 48:52, finishing off a well-worked move with Dalton Thompson and Cody Ogden.
With under two minutes to play, Sheffield’s Jacob Brammer gave the home fans something to cheer about, scoring off an A Dancer assist at 58:24. Moments later, S Williams added another for Sheffield with Brammer returning the favour on the assist. Despite the late goals, the Dragons had done enough to secure a commanding 10-4 win.
Fisticuffs & Physicality
Tempers flared late in the second period when Jared Dickinson and Cutts dropped the gloves in a heated exchange. Dickinson came out on top, energising the Dragons bench and fans. Both teams played a physical game, but Deeside maintained discipline to keep their advantage intact.
Goaltending & Defensive Standouts
Dragons netminder Jace Gledhill made several key stops to keep Sheffield at bay, particularly in the second period when the Scimitars looked to claw their way back.
On the other end, Sheffield faced an onslaught of shots, particularly in the first two periods, struggling to contain Deeside’s relentless attack.
MVPs & Key Performances
Deeside’s standout player was James Parsons (#5), who was everywhere on the ice, contributing heavily with two goals and multiple assists. For Sheffield, Jacob Brammer (#71) showed fight—both literally and figuratively—scoring a late goal and engaging in a spirited bout.
What’s Next?
The Dragons are back in action tomorrow night (Sunday, 9th March 2025) as they take on Leeds Knights 2. After such an emphatic performance, they’ll be keen to carry this momentum forward.
Stats Section
Final Score: Sheffield Scimitars 4 – 10 Deeside Dragons
Goals Breakdown:
Deeside Dragons Goals:
- Brodie Jesson (3), Jakub Hajek, Ross Kennedy, Cody Ogden, Jake Witkowski, James Parsons (2), Charles Phillips
Sheffield Scimitars Goals:
- Lewis Otley, Kristian Pelling, Jacob Brammer, S Williams
Shots on Goal:
- Deeside Dragons: 15 – 19 – 13 (Total: 47)
- Sheffield Scimitars: 4 – 9 – 18 (Total: 31)
Penalties:
- Deeside Dragons: 6 penalties (16 minutes)
- Sheffield Scimitars: 8 penalties (22 minutes)
A dominant display from the Dragons, and they’ll look to build on this as they continue their campaign!
