Match Preview: Stars v Barons 180323

BILLINGHAM STARS face their final home National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 game of the season this evening knowing they can finish no lower than third place, today’s opponents Solihull Barons now too far adrift to be able to overtake the Stars.  

Solihull was the destination for Billingham last Sunday as the Teessiders aimed to bounce back from their dramatic Cup Final loss the previous evening. Hobs Moat Road is never the easiest rink to visit, as proved by the Barons’ home record this season which had seen them lose just two games until the Stars ground out a 1-2 victory backstopped by an imperious Thomas Brown. It is Solihull’s form on the road that has prevented them challenging harder at the top of the table, inconsistency costing them points at rinks they might reasonably have expected to take something away from. As ever the Barons look to stalwart import Niklas Ottosson to get amongst the goals, but it’s Solihull’s physical presence that Billingham need to be wary of as they battle to retain second spot.

The Stars’ win in the Midlands last Sunday was the perfect response to the Cup Final loss, a contest that many did not expect to run so close. In the end only a penalty shootout could separate Billingham from the League’s best side, to lose in such a manner was heart-breaking but the Stars could take so much from their performance. They could have the chance to avenge that result if the playoffs go to plan with the two sides potentially matching up once more in the final. But there is a lot of hockey to be played before then and Billingham cannot afford to take their eye off the ball in these closing weeks as momentum will be everything.

The Stars face Solihull Barons in a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture at the Forum this evening, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £40 family [2+2].

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Billingham Stars v Solihull Barons, Saturday 5.30pm

Solway Sharks v Sheffield Scimitars, Saturday 7pm

Sheffield Scimitars v Whitley Warriors, Sunday 5.10pm

Deeside Dragons v Nottingham Lions, Sunday 5.15pm

Solihull Barons v Solway Sharks, Sunday 5.30pm

Blackburn Hawks v Widnes Wild, Sunday 6pm