CONNAH’S QUAY COBRAS slumped to an uncharacteristic 16-1 defeat away to Solihull Vikings in a challenge match.

This was Cobras’ first match since the middle of June as their last cup group game against Trafford Thunder – which had been scheduled for July 14 - had to be cancelled after the Altrincham-based side were unable to raise a team, and this game had been arranged to give the team a decent run out before the Summer Cup play-offs in three weeks’ time.

When the two teams met at Deeside back in January, it was a very close game with the Cobras eventually winning 9-7.

The latest game was actually closer than the final scoreline suggests, but Connah’s Quay travelled with a short bench – just 10 skaters - and they found themselves up against a very strong Solihull side.

After a tense opening phase, Vikings opened the scoring on five minutes and they were leading 3-0 by the time Cobras’ player-coach Emma Dutton fired in a superb goal for the visitors.

The score stood at 4-1 at the first period break and 9-1 at the second interval, before the hosts ran away with the game with seven more unanswered goals in the third period as the numerically inferior Cobras began to tire.

Connah’s Quay Cobras are next in action at the Summer Classic Cup play-offs, which will be held in Sheffield over the weekend of August 10 and 11.

The full line-up is yet to be decided as there are group games still to be played and the semi-final pairings depend on finishing positions in the two qualifying groups.

Connah’s Quay are currently top of Elite Group One with 13 points from eight games, but they could still be overtaken by Newcastle Predators, who are one point behind and play Trafford this weekend in their final group match.

The other group sees a three-way tussle between Leeds Lightning, Don Valley Vikings and Grimsby Stormers for the other two semi-final places.

Deeside Dragons have announced the departure of goaltender Matt Croyle.

He spent two seasons with the club and was an important part of Dragons’ success, making over 1,500 saves for Deeside.

Dragons’ general manager Shaun Bebbington told the club’s website: “Matt was a true professional and an MVP for the club in numerous games.

“He gave us our first ever win at Whitley Bay against the Warriors this season, and he’s a huge loss for the team. Good luck to Matt wherever he ends up, but he’s always welcome back at the Den!”

Dragons have confirmed that forward Jayson Burgess will return for the 2024-25 season.

Burgess joined the Dragons on a two-way contract with the Altrincham Aces for the end of last season and he played 10 games for the side, recording two assists.

He has recently been a part of the Ontario Hockey Academy U18 team and last year was his first year playing senior hockey.

“I’m excited to be back at Deeside for another season!” said Burgess.

“Last season was great, and I felt like I learnt a lot from everyone. I hope I can perform well for the team and the fans this year as I take another step forward in my career.”