AND THEY’RE READY FOR THE FIGHT
There’s something stirring in the Den. A flicker at first, now a full-blown fire. The Steel 4 Structures Deeside Dragons have dropped their first seven signings for the 2025/26 season—and if you’re not already buzzing, you’d better check your pulse.
This isn’t just a team preparing for puck drop. This is a squad being built for the battle. One shift at a time. One goal at a time. One heartbeat—and it’s getting louder.
It starts at the top. Jake Witkowski returns, not only as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards, but now stepping into the role of Assistant Coach, working alongside the experienced Mike Clancy. Jake lit up the NIHL last season with an eye-watering 110 points, all while rival fans joked he doesn’t move. If that’s true, he must be racking up points in his sleep. It’s his second season in Deeside, after previously skating in the NIHL National with the Leeds Knights, and now he’s got unfinished business.
Matt Wainwright is back on defence—reliable, composed, and battle-tested. The kind of player who does the hard jobs without fuss and leads by quiet example. A 2-way D-man with the awareness to turn defence into attack with a single breakout pass.
Then there’s Ross Kennedy. A forward with flair, confidence, and the kind of puck control that leaves defenders dizzy. Tricks, skills, and points—Ross has it all. He doesn’t just play the game—he entertains, and the Den loves him for it.
But the biggest shift this summer? Leadership.
Jared Dickinson returns—this time as captain. It’s a move that just feels right. Jared is starting his 4th season with the Dragons, and now he wears the “C” with pride. He’s 100% Deeside. He lives it, breathes it, and wears the badge like it’s part of him. His commitment, toughness, and quiet leadership have earned respect from the locker room to the rafters. He won’t need to talk about leading. He’ll just do it—head up, stick down, no fear.
And while the returning names light a fire, it’s the new blood that pours petrol on it.
Rhys Edwards joins the Dragons with raw pace, sharp hands, and a relentless engine. He’s not Welsh, but give it two shifts and he’ll be adopted by the Den. Opposing D-men will learn quickly—if you give him space, he’s already gone.
Joining him is Colin Cromie, making his debut in British hockey. But don’t mistake him for a rookie. He brings high energy, work rate, and ice coverage that coaches dream of. He’s the type of player who makes things happen.
And in net? The calm behind the chaos—Tyler De La Bertouche, a British/Swedish netminder with quiet confidence and sharp instincts. He’s composed, focused, and already looking like the kind of goalie who can steal games and slam the door shut when it matters most.
This is just the beginning. The first wave. And already, the message is clear: Deeside isn’t here to make up the numbers. Every name on this list has a purpose. Every signing adds fuel to the fire. The identity is taking shape. The standard is rising. And this group? They’re not backing down from anyone.
This team is built for the fight—shoulders squared, skates sharpened, and hearts locked in. The road ahead will be tough. It always is. But this locker room knows it, welcomes it, and is ready to meet it head-on. No shortcuts. No excuses. Just a team that’s coming together with one goal: to leave it all on the ice, every single night.
But even the strongest team needs its sixth man. The drums. The chants. The roar when the boys step out in white. The Den isn’t just our home—it’s our weapon. And when it’s full, when it’s loud, when it’s rocking—there’s no place like it.
So get loud. Get in. Get behind the badge. Because something is building here—and you’ll want to be part of it from the first drop of the puck.
The Den is ready. The team is ready. Now it’s your turn.
And here’s the best news yet: season tickets go on sale later this week. Lock in your spot, save money, and guarantee you don’t miss a moment of the action. There’s no better way to back your Dragons all season long—and trust us, you’re going to want to be there for every game, every hit, every goal, every roar.
Don’t wait. Be ready. Be loud. Be proud. #BeMoreDragon 🐉🔥
