Deeside outfit The Dragons have appointed Gary Shaw as head coach for the forthcoming season.

Shaw who assumed the role on an interim basis in January will now look to restore the club's Moralee Conference status after a torrid campaign which culminated in relegation last term.

Newly-appointed general manager Ian Foster, a long-time supporter and key figure within the club, will once again take the reins of the club, with Bruce Morton occupying the manager's role.

Dragons playing duo Marc Lovell and Matthew Compton will also be assisting Shaw with coaching duties.

A club statement said: "Gary has been a popular key figure within ice hockey at Deeside for many years, as both a player within the senior team, under the Deeside Dragons banner and then as Flintshire Freeze, where he also took on a coaching role.

"In addition to this he has been a long-serving head coach for the junior club for many years, where he coached many of the current Dragons players.

"We were very fortunate last season when Gary stepped in to coach the team again, following the departure of the club's previous management team.

"With Gary’s involvement and working closely alongside Nigel Ryland, himself a long-serving and valued club member, we saw many former players returning to the team, providing a boost to the existing players and the fans who stayed loyal and stuck with the team.

"Bruce is also a popular and valuable member of the ice hockey community at Deeside, having been involved with the team for many years, in both assistant manager and team manager roles, as well as playing at recreation level as a player when he can fit it in."

The Deeside club will be holding open trials for players wanting to be part of the 2018/19 team.

The sessions will take place at Deeside Leisure Centre on Wednesday, July 4 and July 11.