Backing the Dragons – Aspray Chester signs again with thriving ice hockey club
Becoming the title sponsor of an ice hockey club with no ice to play their home games was risky to say the least. Half a season went by in a flash, with little advertising opportunity at The Den, home of the Deeside Dragons. Iain Speedie, Director at Aspray Chester, was taking a leap of faith.
While the investment helped the Dragons get on their feet for the season, Iain had to wait for his end of the deal. Fortunately, since the turn of Christmas, the Dragons came good. The ice returned to Deeside, along with hundreds of Dragons fans.
As top points scorer, Ross Kennedy, netted goal after goal in the second half of the season, he did so with Aspray Chester on his shirt. All eyes were on the Dragons. Iain Speedie certainly felt part of something special. The atmosphere at the Den is electric. The momentum is growing!
As the Dragons came together to celebrate a fantastic end to the season, Iain Speedie and Aspray Chester had an announcement to make. A standing ovation was given to Iain, upon announcing Aspray Chester becoming title sponsor again for the Dragons.
The Dragons are full of ambition after such a good run of form and are determined to follow this up into the new season. With no setbacks this time around, Iain could not turn down the opportunity.
A voluntary management team comprised of local supporters, Shaun Bebbington and Mikey Rowe, have put in long hours to get the team off the ground. Sponsorships and ticket sales cover the majority of the costs throughout a season at the Dragons. To have committed sponsors and a fan base that grows game after game, the team are humbled to say the least.
“To have Aspray Chester on board with us is massive. The running costs of a team at this sort of level is about £70,000 for the season.
“Iain came on and gave us a big push and made things possible. We’ve completed all our games, paid all our costs, and made money towards the end of the season ready to invest for next year.
“Vitally important and we couldn’t have done it without him.”
Shaun Bebbington, General Manager
“Without Aspray and Iain’s backing, it would have been such a hard task to even finish last season.
“With seven away games on the bounce at the start of the season, no club in the league could have done that without a strong financial backing.”
Mikey Rowe, Marketing Manager
The Dragons’ presentation evening was a huge success. All in attendance shared their enthusiasm and ambitions for the club moving forward. Outstanding performances were recognised, as players and backroom staff all came forward to collect trophies.
Aspray Chester sponsored and presented the ‘Man of Steel’ Award’, dedicated to players that went the full season without missing a game. Two Defensemen, Matt Wainwright and Ross Kennedy, both claimed a ‘Man of Steel’ Award.
Iain was as much involved in the presentation as anyone, which showed just how appreciated his presence is at Deeside. Iain’s attended most home games towards the end of the season and will continue this commitment into next year. For the 23/24 season, Iain Speedie is a Dragon!