Match Report: Whitley Warriors vs Deeside Dragons
26 October 2024, Hillheads road Whitley 19:00 Face off
The Deeside Dragons showcased their offensive prowess and solidified their position near the top of the standings with a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Whitley Warriors on 26 October 2024. This victory marks the Dragons’ seventh consecutive win, propelling them to second place in the league and cementing their status as formidable contenders.
1st Period: Early Momentum for the Dragons
The Dragons wasted no time in setting the tone, with Gary Simpson scoring the first goal at 13:17, courtesy of sharp assists from Alex Parry and Jared Dickinson. Just moments later, at 13:32, Jared Dickinson found the back of the net, with an assist from Simpson, to double the Dragons’ lead. The Dragons’ unrelenting pressure resulted in a power-play goal at 16:02, as Jakub Hajek capitalised on the opportunity, supported by Jake Witkowski and Ross Kennedy. Although Callum Queenan managed to get Whitley on the board with a goal at 13:58, the Dragons ended the period ahead, 3-1, after an impressive 17 shots on goal.
2nd Period: Both Sides Strike Back
The second period saw an exchange of blows, with the Dragons and Warriors each netting two goals. The Dragons struck first with a power-play goal from Charles Phillips at 21:01, supported by Hajek and Kennedy, extending their lead to 4-1. However, Whitley answered back quickly, with Dean Holland finding the net at 23:36, and later, a power-play goal by Kyle Hindmarsh-Ross at 29:06, assisted by Philip Edgar and Queenan, narrowed the gap to one. Determined to hold their ground, the Dragons responded with Hajek’s second goal of the game at 31:32, assisted by Witkowski, pushing the lead back to two goals as the period ended 5-3.
3rd Period: Dragons Seal the Victory
The final period saw both teams battle for control, with Whitley refusing to go quietly. At 48:58, Hindmarsh-Ross scored his second goal for the Warriors, cutting the Dragons’ lead to a single goal and keeping fans on edge. The Dragons, however, stood firm defensively, and with less than a minute remaining, Hajek completed his hat-trick with an empty-net goal at 59:29, assisted by Kennedy, to seal the Dragons’ 6-4 triumph.
The Dragons displayed relentless offensive pressure throughout the game, outshooting the Warriors 42 to 31 and making the most of their power-play opportunities. Discipline also played a role, with the Dragons taking only 8 penalty minutes compared to the Warriors’ 12.
This hard-fought victory not only highlights the Dragons’ offensive depth, with contributions across the line-up, but also their resilience as they continue climbing the league standings. With this win, the Dragons stand proudly in second place, continuing their impressive run and firing up fans with hopes for an exciting season ahead.
Don’t miss tonight’s return leg at The Den! The Dragons are fired up and ready to face the Warriors again on home ice. Let’s make it a fortress—get down to The Den, pack it out, and get behind the lads as they push to keep this winning streak alive! Be part of the action and feel the intensity as the Dragons fight for every goal. See you there!