Deeside Dragons will serve up a hefty slice of physical presence next season, after Kenny Williams and Aled Roberts agreed on a return to the club.
The two Welshmen, at well over six-feet tall, will add further strength to a squad that is tipped to challenge for the Laidler Conference title following forward Andy Chappell agreeing a new deal with the Dragons last week.
Defenceman Williams, 26, has been an ever-present for the club after launching his senior career with Flintshire Freeze in 2009.
Roberts, at just 22, has already spent several seasons in the United States, before signing as a forward from rivals Widnes Wild at the start of last season.
Dragons head coach, Lol Paul, is delighted to have secured the return of two key Deeside servants.
He said: “Both Kenny and Aled are great lads, on and off the ice, so to bring them back was a very easy decision for me.
“I am building a squad that will score lots of goals, but at the same time bring a physical presence to games. At over six feet tall, these two guys are a big part of my strategy.
“Sheer size is important, of course, but Kenny and Aled have a lot of skill. Their contributions in defence and attack will be crucial for The Dragons.”
Forward Chappell has been a Flintshire regular since the start of his senior career in 2000, bagging 61 NIHL points over the last three seasons.
The 30-year-old’s return to the Deeside Ice Rink marks another step towards the completion of Paul’s first roster, with the head coach delighted to have him back on board for the new campaign.
“Andy Chappell is a guy who represents the heart and soul of this club, said Paul, who took over from Steve Fellows, who remains in a playing capacity in the Dragons hot seat during the summer.
“He loves playing in Deeside and that shows in his career so far.”
“He’s put up consistently high numbers every season and remained faithful to The Dragons.
“That sort of attitude means a lot to the players, the supporters and myself.
“Andy will be part of a line-up that I want to challenge the top teams in the Laidler Conference.
“I am still deciding the make-up of my lines, but he is going to be an integral part of that.”
