PREVIEW: MATCH WEEK 15
BILLINGHAM STARS face perhaps their biggest weekend in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 with a home and home series against nearest challengers Blackburn Hawks.
Billingham and Blackburn complete their League games against each other with the current score between the two standing at one game each. The Hawks got the better of a short-benched Stars two weeks ago in Lancashire, so they have the psychological edge going into today’s encounter on the same pad. Blackburn followed that win with another on the road at Leeds Knights 2 last Sunday, and they have the motivation that two wins this weekend will close the gap at the top to just three points with a game in hand. Blackburn should be at approaching full strength for the two matches, including new signing Liam Charnock who is coming back to hockey after a few seasons out of the game. They remain without James Royds however, who is still suspended after a failed appeal against a ban for kneeing.
🔗 Blackburn Hawks on Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/2114/blackburn-hawks
The good news for Billingham is that they will be making the trip over the Pennines with more bodies than their last visit, and especially at the back where Darren Stattersfield and Ben Greenhalgh should return from suspension. The Stars are further boosted by the permanent signing of Conner McNulty, a move made in advance of last Sunday’s victory over Solihull Barons. The manner of that win should have pleased the coaches as Billingham put their visitors to the sword, showing no signs of any ill-effects after the defeat to the Hawks. With the Hawks currently the side in closest pursuit of the Stars in the race for the League title, these two games will have added significance as the season approaches its halfway mark.
The Stars visit Blackburn Hawks for a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 clash later today, face off 6pm. The return fixture is at the Forum tomorrow evening, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £14 adults, £10 concessions, £46 family [2+2]. Fans are reminded that tomorrow is the Stars 12th annual Teddy Toss – bring those teddies, toys and gifts and get ready to ‘air the bear’!
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL N1 Saturday:
🦅 Blackburn Hawks 🆚 Billingham Stars 💫
⚜️ Solihull Barons 🆚 Widnes Wild 🐾
⚔️ Leeds Knights 2 🆚 Sheffield Scimitars🗡️
NIHL N1 Sunday:
🐉 Deeside Dragons 🆚 Leeds Knights 2 ⚔️
💫 Billingham Stars 🆚 Blackburn Hawks 🦅
✈️ Hull Jets 🆚 Whitley Warriors 🏹
🦁 Nottingham Lions 🆚 Solihull Barons ⚜️