FLINTSHIRE Freeze coach Gary Shaw believes the title will be on its way back to the Deeside Ice Rink. Shaw's bold announcement comes on the eve of his side's opener at home to Bradford Bulldogs on Sunday (6.30pm). The Freeze lifted the ENIHL North crown for the first time in their history in 2004. But in the years since, they have failed to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs - let alone challenge the top teams. Yet boss Shaw reckons they are on the verge of recap-turing their glory days after a summer recruitment drive that has sent shockwaves throughout the league. Marc Lovell, who made his name at Flintshire before forging a career in the Elite League with Manchester Phoenix and latterly with Telford Tigers in the EPIHL, has returned, as has net- minder Dave Clancy from Blackburn Hawks. Also arriving from bitter-rivals Blackburn are forwards Adam Fuller and Adam Leaver, and D-man Peter Tapp, who is well-known to the Freezer faithful given his regular run-ins with Flintshire hard-man Dave Costelloe. The quintet's arrival, along with the promotion of youngsters Will Banks, Mike Stockley, Mike Jones and James Parsons, means Shaw has one of the strongest squads in the league - and he knows it. He said: 'I'm asking for a big improvement because I want the league. With the signings we've made, I've now got the quality. 'Peter is a great D-man. He's strong and moves the puck really well. Marc Lovell is big around Flintshire because of what he's done, and with the other forwards we've signed I think we'll have the firepower to over-whelm sides. 'I've also got three quality netminders so I think we'll be playing with three of four strong lines all season, play- ing fast hockey, which should be too much for other sides.' If the Freeze did win the league, Shaw added they would seriously consider making the leap up to EPIHL - the second tier of British Ice Hockey. They had the chance to do that in 2004, but a lack of sponsorship meant they had to stay put. However, the club have made significant strides in that department over the summer and have inked deals with national brands like Pizza Hut and Asda. Freezer fans will see the improvements to the club at first-hand on Sunday. A fun day, starting at 2pm, precedes the big match. Flintshire warmed up for their date with the Bulldogs with a 5-3 friendly victory over ENIHL South outfit Milton Keynes Thunder on Sunday. Starlet Chris Jones starred with a two-goal show, while Tom King, captain Pete Founds and Steve Elliott also hit the net. nThe club have launched an impressive new website - www.flintshirefreeze.com - where supporters can find more details on Sunday's off-the-ice entertainment. | 
