Cardiff Fire are delighted to announce the return of the Welsh Cup against the Deeside Dragons this September.
The Welsh Cup has not been contested for over two decades, but Cardiff Fire and the Deeside Dragons have this summer agreed to revive the competition. The game will be played over two legs, with the first leg in Deeside on the 7th September and the return fixture will be played in Cardiff on 28th September.
The 2024 Welsh Cup fixtures:
- Saturday 7th September - Away 1st Leg @ Deeside Leisure Centre - 5:15pm
- Saturday 28th September - Home 2nd Leg @ Vindico Arena, Cardiff - 7:00pm
Director of Hockey Mark Cuddihy added:
I am absolutely thrilled with the return of the Welsh Cup. I have been running NIHL teams in Cardiff for almost 20 years and it was always a goal of mine to get this back. We tried a few times over the years, but we couldn’t quite make it work. Shaun and Mike have been fantastic and have been very keen to get this back up and running. I was delighted when they reached out to us this summer and knew right away, we had to get this back. I have fond memories of The Welsh Cup, having played in this myself many years ago. It was always something the players looked forward to.
We have formed a close bond with the Dragons over recent seasons, with a few Fire players actually playing some games on loan. They are a passionate Welsh club just like ourselves and to have this competition back will mean something special to all involved. Deeside are a well-established NIHL 1 North Division team so the games will be tough. I am really looking forward to this competition, for our players and fans to experience this will be great. Cymru am byth!!
Head Coach Elis Sheppard continued:
I am delighted that with the efforts of all those involved, we were able to finalise plans and re-introduce the Welsh Cup. Having forged close relations with the Dragons organisation, an annual competition to promote Welsh Hockey is long overdue. I am confident that the introduction of the Welsh Cup is only the beginning for larger events between both sides.
The first leg of the Welsh Cup will mark the start of the new season for the Fire, facing-off against the Dragons at Deeside Leisure Centre on Saturday 7th September at 5:15pm.
You can catch the home leg of the Welsh Cup on Saturday 28th September at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff Bay - Face-off is at 7:00pm with tickets available to book online soon!
Don’t forget to Click Here for a full list of all the upcoming fixtures for the new season.
Photos: James Assinder
