LEEDS KNIGHTS II head coach Aaron Jordan is satisfied with the progression being made by his young side as reality starts to bite in NIHL North One.

Having opened up their campaign with three wins, the Knights have lost their subsequent three games.

But, given the decision to place faith in youth this season - at least more than in the previous two seasons - the Knights are continuing to make positive strides.

Last weekend saw them lose out 5-2 at home to Widnes Wild before a 7-4 defeat at Deeside Dragons on Sunday.

BRIGHT FUTURE: Leeds Knights II's players impressed in defeat at Deeside. Picture: Nathan Malone/Knights Media.

placeholder image — BRIGHT FUTURE: Leeds Knights II's players impressed in defeat at Deeside. Picture: Nathan Malone/Knights Media.

But the scoreline in Deeside was another sign of the improvements being made, the Knights having lost 14-2 and 11-2 in North Wales during 2025-26.

Jonas Bennett (2), Daragh Spawforth and Frank O’Sullivan were on the scoresheet against the Dragons, while Kieran Smith and O’Sullivan found the net on home ice against Widnes.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Lions, head coach Jordan, said: “I am seeing the players developing every game.

“Deeside know we played them hard. We had over 30 shots on the road, we competed throughout all three periods and there were a ton of positives to take from the game.

“We played well there and were right in it. There was a stretch in the second period where they made life difficult and we gifted them some goals with our play.

“But, at the same time, they are a very good team, who expect to be challenging for silverware this season.”