The Deeside Dragons put on a commanding performance at home, storming past the Leeds Knights with a dominant 9-3 win. The Dragons attacked in relentless waves, keeping the Knights on the back foot throughout, while their fans were in fine form, roaring them on from start to finish.
First Period: Fast Start for Deeside
Deeside wasted no time imposing their game, and it was Garry Simpson who opened the scoring at 11:47, assisted by Cade King. Just a minute later, Marc Lovell doubled the lead with help from Alex Parry and Dalton Thompson. Leeds managed to pull one back through Michael Danecko at 15:19, keeping the game competitive heading into the second period.
Second Period: Deeside Take Control
The Dragons continued to press, and Ross Kennedy capitalised on a feed from Jared Dickinson and Jake Witkowski at 20:24 to restore Deeside’s two-goal advantage. Moments later, Jake Witkowski struck on the power play at 23:46, extending the lead to 4-1. The Knights struggled to contain Deeside’s high-paced attack, and Alex Parry made them pay with a clinical finish at 39:24, assisted by Witkowski and Simpson.
Third Period: Wrapping it Up in Style
James Parsons added another early in the period at 41:31, linking up with Witkowski and Ross Kennedy to make it 6-1. Leeds fought back briefly as Owen Dell made it 6-2 at 45:09, but any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. Witkowski struck again at 53:19, his 101st point of the season, capping off a phenomenal campaign. Danecko responded for Leeds, but two late goals from M.J. Clancy and Cody Ogden sealed a comprehensive victory for Deeside.
Goaltending Brilliance
Dragons’ netminder Matt Croyle was outstanding, shutting down the Knights for two periods with a series of brilliant saves. Young goalie Jace Gledhill stepped in for the third and impressed with key stops of his own, ensuring Deeside’s defensive stronghold remained intact.
Injury Blow
Deeside suffered a setback in the second period when James Shaw was forced to leave the game after a collision with a Leeds player. His status remains uncertain ahead of next weekend’s crucial fixtures.
What’s Next?
The Dragons now turn their focus to a tough double-header against the NIHL Division 1 champions, Billingham Stars. They host the Stars on Saturday before heading to Billingham on Sunday for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of hockey.
Stats Section
Goals:
- Deeside Dragons: Garry Simpson, Marc Lovell, Ross Kennedy, Jake Witkowski (2), Alex Parry, James Parsons, M.J. Clancy, Cody Ogden
- Leeds Knights: Michael Danecko (2), Owen Dell
Shots on Goal:
- Deeside Dragons: 19 | 14 | 16 | Total: 49
- Leeds Knights: 9 | 13 | 10 | Total: 32
Goaltending:
- Deeside Dragons: Matt Croyle (perfect 2 periods), Jace Gledhill (solid 3rd period performance)
Penalties:
- Deeside Dragons: 3 infractions, 8 minutes total
- Leeds Knights: 5 infractions, 10 minutes total
Jake Witkowski’s stellar season continues, surpassing 100 points, while Deeside’s attack looks primed for their biggest test yet against Billingham. Hockey fans, get ready—this one’s going to be huge!
