The Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons are excited to announce their Coaching and Management Team for the 2023-24 Season!
COACHES
Head Coach Mike Clancy is returning to the Dragons for a second season! As well as coaching the Dragons, Mike is the head coach for the GB Women’s National team, and has almost a decade of coaching experience to draw on.
“I’m excited to be back supporting the management team and continuing to help develop the club in the upcoming season. I’m also delighted to be able to welcome back the experienced coaching team in Matty, Marc & Dave, They bring a wealth of experience with all three playing at the top level in the UK during their playing careers. This year sees us stepping up our game in player development, so look out for the upcoming signings that I’m sure the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons fan base will be very excited about as we mix experience and youth in our playing line up for the 23/24 season.
Last year was a more than challenging year for all involved in our volunteer-run club. We’ve embraced the learnings and accepted the challenges coming out of last season, and we now have a full season with adequate preparation both on and off ice to show you all what the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons are about…. See you on the ice!!”
We are also welcoming back Assistant Coach Matt Compton, who has been a mainstay in Deeside since 1999.
“Looking forward to having a proper season and with a great group of players we should improve on last year’s league position. Also looking forward to seeing the Den full again like last season.”
Marc Lovell will also be returning as a Player-Coach for his 17th season in the Den!
“It feels good to be coming back again (one more year), which I’ve been saying for years now. 🤣🤣
But after everything we went through as a group last year, it feels right to play again and have a full season from September like normal. Everybody pulled together last season from people behind the scenes to players and supporters, which created a good atmosphere around hockey in Deeside again, which is something that we as a group can build on and have an even stronger season.”
Our final piece of the coaching puzzle is Dave Clancy, Goaltending Coach for the Dragons and also for the GB Women’s National team.
MANAGEMENT
Shaun Bebbington will be returning as General Manager, after bringing the Dragons back to life last season and leading them through a turbulent season of absent rinks, ice delays and injuries.
“It is vitally important that as a club we build on last year’s achievements and the only way in doing this is to secure a solid foundation to help steer the club in the right direction. The Dragons are extremely lucky to have such a experienced coaching setup, led by Mike, Matty, Marc, Dave and Bruce. They have, and will continue to, improve the club both at senior level and by also helping out in the junior ranks which is the future in Deeside.
Along with off ice help from Mikey keeping an eye on finance and marketing, Jay looking after social media interaction and the special group of volunteers helping the club prosper, my role would be unachievable and unenjoyable. All the people mentioned above are key signings and we all appreciate each other as we invest as volunteers in these roles to help run the club.”
Joining Shaun in the management team is Mikey Rowe, who is head of Marketing and Finance, and Jakob Forster, head of Social Media and Content Creation
“As we approach our second season back on the ice, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey the Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons have undertaken. Our first season was a thrilling affirmation of the resilience and spirit that defines us. We didn’t just return – we roared back, carrying the very essence of the Deeside DNA with us. Our management team, made up entirely of committed volunteers, has shown that this club is more than just a team – it’s a family. This team isn’t about individual egos, we are working as a unified force to embody the club’s vision and goals. We’ve shown that our primary desire is to make this club the best it can be, for the players, for the fans and for our sponsors past present and future. As we get ready to embark on our second season, I want to express my profound gratitude to our fans and sponsors. Your unwavering support has been integral to our resurgence. To those considering joining us on this journey, I say this: The Aspray Chester Deeside Dragons are back and stronger than ever. We are ready for another season of striving for excellence, showcasing the heart and soul of Deeside. Join us as we continue to make our mark in the Dragons’ Den!” Mikey Rowe
“I had the time of my life working with the Dragons last season and I can’t wait to do it again this year. We have a lot of exciting things in the works, and the Dragons are going to be bigger, better and stronger this season as we compete for a top four finish in the league!” Jakob Forster
Last but certainly not least, Bruce Morton will be returning as Team Manager to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing, where they’re supposed to be, and who they are! We couldn’t do this without him.
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