AN ICE hockey team has won its first silverware in almost thirty years.

Durham Dragons, the only team to have survived the closure of the city’s ice rink in 1996, won the Dave Webster Memorial Tournament in Scotland.

After finishing second in their group, they secured a place in the final after winning a tense penalty shoot-out and took on reigning champions Paisley Blackhawks in the final.

They won 3-1 to secure their first silverware since 1990.

Left winger James Udell said: “It was a great feeling to get the game winning goal.

“The Dragons have welcomed me into the team at a time when I thought my days playing ice hockey were over, so it was fantastic to be a crucial part in getting them some silverware.

“Playing hockey has always been part of my life. Being part of a team and having that camaraderie is something that’s hard to replicate outside of sport. The Dragons have a fantastic bunch of lads and it’s been great settling into the team.”

The team trains weekly at Whitley Bay ice rink and have played in tournaments across Europe.

To get involved or to find out about sponsorship visit www.durham-dragons.com.