DEESIDE DRAGONS are all set for a busy weekend of action.
They will tackle Leeds Knights for the first time in Division One North this season with tomorrow’s trip to Yorkshire and this is followed by Sunday’s big home encounter versus Widnes Wild.
Dragons will go into the matches without the services of Garry Simpson (pictured above).
During last week’s 12-2 defeat at Whitley Warriors, Simpson, a signing from Bristol Pitbulls this season, was taken off the ice after suffering a serious looking injury and he was then transported to hospital.
“Our physio Robin gave us a talk about concussion before the start of the season,” said Deeside Dragons’ assistant head coach Matt Compton.
“He will know what to look for and the importance of not coming back too soon. There’s no point rushing these things.”
One bright spot was a goal from Cody Ogden. He has been one of the leading lights for Deeside Ducks and the third period strike was Ogden’s first goal for the Dragons.
“He was a late call-up,” said Compton.
“For a young lad to go to Whitley Bay and play so well, that was a positive.
“James Parsons presented him with a puck after the game.”
Now, the focus switches to two big matches this weekend.
Leeds and Widnes occupy the bottom two spots in the Division One North table, so Dragons will be favourites heading into the matches, but they will have to go on the ice with the correct attitude.
“I said to them after the (Whitley) game, if we go to Leeds with that mindset, we will lose,” stressed Compton.
“We need to go with the right mindset on Saturday and Sunday.
“They are a little bit of an unknown, but they will be well organised.
“Sunday is a derby game. Widnes have lost a few games, but form goes out of the window.”
Jake Witkowski was unavailable for the trip to Whitley and Deeside will be keeping a close eye on him. Ross Kennedy is suspended.
Tomorrow’s other fixtures: Hull v Solihull; Nottingham v Whitley. Sunday: Blackburn v Billingham; Nottingham v Solihull; Sheffield v Hull; Whitley v Leeds.
Deeside Ducks are away to Coventry Blaze tomorrow in their next Division Two North run-out.
Sunday: Billingham v Nottingham; Bradford v Altrincham.
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