DEESIDE DRAGONS will get their new season underway with a busy spell of action at The Den.

Two home matches open things up for the Dragons, starting with tomorrow’s Welsh Cup showdown at home to Cardiff Fire.

“We started training quite early this year,” said assistant head coach Matt Compton.

“I think it’s brilliant what we have managed to do getting this Welsh Cup on the go.

“It’s going to be a competitive game. They were in the south Division Two but they have gone up to Division One. It’s a chance of silverware.”

Following on from the cup encounter, Dragons will then begin their league campaign with Sunday’s home clash versus Nottingham Lions.

“The new players have settled in fantastic,” added Compton.

“That shows how good the team are and the young lads are a part of the team.

“That all adds to competition in training. Work hard in training to be a part of the team at the weekend.

“We’re going to get injuries and suspensions, so there’s an opportunity for the young lads.”

Youthful goaltenders Jace Gledhill and Ollie Booth are tasked with keeping the opposition out this season and Compton stressed: “We’re confident in them to do well.”

The team is aiming high as an exciting new season gets started.

Compton added: “I think every year the ultimate goal is to win the league.

“We have got to go in with that mindset and I think we have got the squad to do that.

“I’m not going to say, yes, we’ll definitely win the league, but we want to be competitive at the top of that table.

“We are really looking forward to it.”

Tomorrow: Hull Jets v Leeds Knights.

Sunday: Billingham Stars v Blackburn Hawks; Solihull Barons v Leeds Knights; Whitley Warriors v Sheffield Scimitars.