Lol Paul expects Saturday night’s clash with Blackburn Eagles to provide an accurate insight into Deeside Dragons’ title-winning potential.
The Dragons have been a revelation in the Laidler Conference so far this season, winning all three of their games – two of them at home.
Blackburn suffered a 10-2 drubbing in Deeside two weeks ago, but Paul is expecting a tougher challenge in the return game on Saturday.
He said: “I’ve said it before, but we need to go into every game like it’s a final, and not underestimate anyone. The guys have to be prepared like any other match.
“The true measure of a team is how they perform on the road. We’ve proved ourselves at home, so now we have to do it away from home as well.
“The key is to get going as early as possible, and if you can score a quick goal, it demoralises the home team. We’ll be looking to put down an early marker.”
Paul will be missing a number of players for Saturday’s encounter, forcing him to adjust his lines from last week’s visit of Altrincham Aces.
He added: “Last Saturday was a very chippy game, so Owen just stepped in there and silenced them. He will be a big loss for us, as he’s having a good season, both on and off the ice.
“We’ve still got enough of our spine to beat Blackburn, but we can’t take anything for granted.”
Deeside’s rise to second in the standings has been due, in part, to the goals of import pairing, Filip Supa and Adrian Palak.
But with the rest of the team also contributing to that success, Paul is convinced his side can go on to take top spot from leaders Hull.
“We’re scoring from all over the place, which is great to see,” the Deeside chief said.
“The lads are fit after a great pre-season and one of the big problems is choosing man of the match. Palak scored four great goals last week, but we had another five.
“Everyone is contributing to this team and it is a great way to start the season.”
Saturday’s game in Blackburn faces off at 5.45pm.
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