Deeside Dragons primed and ready for the weekends season opener against Blackburn Eagles

Deeside Dragons get their season underway on Saturday night with a visit from the much strengthened Blackburn Eagles

A string of high-profile signings this summer has seen the Dragons installed as favourites to lift the Laidler Conference title

Dragons coach Lawrence ‘Lol’ Paul is cautious of his team being labelled favourites and is refusing to underestimate any team they will come up against this season

Former Telford Tigers player Paul starts his first game as Dragons boss on Saturday, he took the head coach reins over in the summer from Steve Fellows following the Dragons acquisition by Red Hockey Ltd.

Lol who oversaw Deeside’s under-18s and U16s programmes in 2012 will approach every game in the same manner regardless of opponents.

He said:

“It isn’t an easy start, to play Blackburn in our first league match. They have got a couple of our former players, in Chris Jones and Tomas Mitric. They both got a few points last weekend.

“The key is to not underestimate anyone in this league. Blackburn had a good win against Bradford and are looking good at the moment. Having a full house on Saturday night would be a massive benefit for us.

I’ve said before that when the guys have the backing of the fans, they feel like giants.”

[pullquote cite=”Dragons Boss Lol Paul” type=”right”]“Playing Widnes is a great local derby, it’s as simple as that. Deeside haven’t done too well there in the last few years, so now we have a chance to put that right.”[/pullquote]

Lol has spent the week priming his players for Saturday’s evening’s encounter with Blackburn Eagles and Sunday’s trip to local rivals Widnes Wild

Paul added:

“I’ve told the players that it’s good if they’re nervous, as it gets the adrenaline flowing. I am expecting good things from them.

I have watched the team in training and they are looking good. We’ll keep working on our systems and hopefully have a successful weekend.”

The Dragons chief has increased the intensity of training sessions this week and he is looking to use his squad’s physical strength in the season opener at the Den.

“We’ll take it one game at a time, so let’s see what Blackburn bring on Saturday night, he said.I am happy with my squad and I’ll be playing four lines against the Eagles. We’ve got a big squad and I want us to look intimidating from the start.I want that first win on the board.”

The Blackburn outfit will be no easy opponents on Saturday but Eagles Head Coach Scott Barnett respects the quality in Deeside team, he said:

“The Dragons will be a tough opposition throughout this season long campaign, and nothing can be taken for granted. Only hard work and a gritty physical determination will secure a win. Anything less is not acceptable and this clash should be entertaining for both home and away fans.”

Saturday night’s game against Blackburn Eagles, at Deeside Ice Rink, faces off at 7pm you can now book your tickets online here.