Match Preview: Hawks v Stars 121122

BILLINGHAM STARS start three weeks on the road this evening with a trip over the Pennines to Blackburn Hawks for a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 clash.

Blackburn have had a muted start to their campaign with just four wins from their opening ten games. Given that three of those wins have come against basement side Sheffield Scimitars, the Hawks will need to up their performances against those sides sat around them in mid-table if they are to make an impact this season. Their recent spirited performance at the Forum showed glimpses of what is possible for the Lancastrians, but they need to put it together for the full sixty to turn narrow losses into more in the ‘W’ column. The larger pad in Blackburn has often tripped up visiting Stars sides, and the Hawks will be looking to exploit that today to avenge that defeat on the road three weeks ago.

A thrilling overtime win for Billingham last Sunday against Solihull Barons put the Teessiders back on track and in the hunt towards the top of the table. The surprise appearance of Rolands Gritāns was a boost for Billingham, but also gives the coaches a new problem in how to get the best out of the sharp-shooting Latvian. With the forward lines looking settled, a full roster gives the coaches a nice headache to have. The only likely absentees this evening will be Sam Dowd and Jack Emerson, so all eyes will be on the bench to see how tonight’s lines shape up. A win tonight would put a little more daylight between the Stars and the chasing pack whilst keeping in touch with the top two.

Billingham travel to Blackburn Hawks for a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture later this afternoon, face off 6pm.

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Blackburn Hawks v Billingham Stars, Saturday 6pm

Solihull Barons v Nottingham Lions, Sunday 5.30pm

Widnes Wild v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 5.30pm