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Ice hockey: Shaun Kippin calls on Deeside Dragons to find consistency

STAR man Shaun Kippin is enjoying his new life at Deeside Dragons – but he is keen for the team to realise their potential, starting on Sunday at Solihull Barons.

The 27-year-old forward turned down a number of other offers in the summer as he stepped down a division from Whitley Bay Warriors to join Steve Fellows’ side in the summer.

But after a promising start in the National Ice Hockey League North Two a couple of recent defeats – to Sheffield Senators and most recently at Nottingham Lions last weekend – Kippin has issued a rallying call to his teammates.

The Dragons came from 5-0 down in the second period to draw within two points of the Lions, who had two former professionals in their ranks.

A delayed bus journey meant the Dragons had just 10 minutes to warm up so they started slowly.

But just as they were written off they hit back, with goals coming from James Parsons (2), Aaron Davies, Richard Hughes and a double from Kippin as the game ended 8-6 to the Lions.

“The Lions were a really tough team and we showed a lot of character to make a game of it from 5-0 down,” said Kippin.

“I was more disappointed with the Sheffield loss a few weeks ago. This team has already shown what it is capable of and we have a lot of talent on the ice, we just need to find a way to deliver consistently good performances if we want to take a promotion spot.

“I still think it is between us, the Lions and Solihull to go up, but we need to get the results now if we want to get to North One.”

The talent Fellows has assembled has not come as a surprise to Kippin. When he came to have a look at the club for the first time he saw what the new management team was trying to create and he was impressed.

“They want to build something here for the future,” he said. “When I came down they treated me really well and explained their vision.

“The Dragons want to achieve, and with the players who are here they can achieve.

“And with the tremendous backing of the supporters, who have stunned me with their sheer numbers, this club is definitely going places.”

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