Scott McKenzie has been appointed as Head Coach of Deeside Dragons’ senior and junior organisations.

McKenzie steps up to the top flight in NIHL North having spent last season in charge of D2 outfit Widnes Wild.

He topped the league’s scoring charts and led Wild to the runners-up slot during the regular season and the end-of-season play-offs.

Dragons’ General Manager Ian Foster said: “We’re thrilled to have gained a player/coach of Scott’s calibre.

“Having watched him build the foundations for youth hockey in Widnes at the same time as developing a successful squad in such a short space of time, I’ve every confidence the Dragons will go from strength to strength under his tutelage and leadership.”

McKenzie added: “First of all I’d like to publicly say how difficult a decision it was to leave Widnes.

“It certainly wasn’t something I took lightly, but it is time to move on and I wish the club all the best moving forward.

“I’m excited about the opportunity ahead. Deeside is a club that is growing. The junior club is booming and I hope that I can add to that with a quality schools programme and by spending time in the local community.

“The senior club is moving into NIHL1 and I look forward to playing and coaching at the slightly higher level.

“It will be a tough challenge to stay in the league, but I’m hoping to put a team on the ice that is capable to play at that level.

“I will do my best to find the right squad that is willing to work with me, to listen, learn and work hard.

“It is a new challenge for me, but I will have a terrific support network behind me to help grow and make the Dragons organisation the best it can be.”