International coaches passed on tips and advice to the next generation of ice hockey players when Deeside Dragons hosted a five-day training camp.
Canada-based Endeavour Sports Group brought a team of coaches across the Atlantic for the camp at Deeside Leisure Centre during May half term.
More than 60 youngsters aged between four and 18 spent three years on the ice each day and also took part in classroom sessions to sharpen their skills.
Coaching covered skating skills such as balance, quick feet and stride, puck skills such as passing, under handling and shooting principles, and game tactics such as puck protection and puck support.
This was the second time the Dragons have hosted the camp with Endeavour Sports Group and it proved so popular the club are already planning to run it again in 2016.
Meanwhile, the club’s junior section hosted a cross-ice tournament with under-10s teams from Deeside, Manchester, Sutton and Widnes doing battle for the X-Ice North championship title and trophy.
Players from all teams were in high spirits and gave it their all through a series or round-robin matches and two semi-finals.
Deeside and Manchester faced off in a final filled with big saves, well worked team goals and intensity to rival any senior game. A 2-2 draw at the end of the game resulted in sudden death overtime for three lines.
Manchester were the eventual winners of the cup, scoring the winner with just 10 seconds of overtime remaining.
Deeside’s 18-strong team was made up of players aged between five and nine, who all showed impressive skill and determination throughout the tournament.
Coach Shaun Cullen said: “I am extremely proud of each and every one of the players representing Deeside.
“Every child put 100% effort into every shift, working as a team and supporting each other throughout the day. Most importantly they all had fun. I couldn’t ask them for anything more. I am very proud of the performance and feel privileged to coach this team.”
The club thanked everyone who supported the day with their time and generosity including the children and parents who made trip to Deeside and helped make the tournament a success.
The Dragons host novice sessions on Friday evenings at Deeside Leisure Centre from 6pm to 7.30pm for children interested in learning to play ice hockey with kit available to loan.
