Match Preview: Lions v Stars 260323

BILLINGHAM STARS go into today’s final National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 game of the season with second place in their own hands, a win against Nottingham Lions this evening guaranteeing them the runners-up slot that they have chased down over the last few months.

Nottingham have lived through turbulent times recently, their troubles compounded this week by a nine-point deduction for failing to complete three fixtures earlier this year. The Lions were awarded the points for their unarranged fixture with Whitley Warriors, but the net result has left Nottingham just a point above Sheffield Scimitars going into this final game. The battle for the final playoff spot is thus very much unresolved at this point, although the Lions will feel the more confident of the two about going through to a match-up with League champions Solway Sharks next weekend with the Scimitars struggling for form. Nottingham have not fared much better recently but will be looking to end their regular season on a winning note today with Solway the overwhelming favourites to go through to the Final Four weekend regardless of who they play next weekend.

Billingham are looking for the win today to cement second place and to keep their excellent run going as momentum is crucial going into the playoffs. Local rivals Whitley Warriors can still pip their near neighbours to that runners-up position, but they need to beat the Sharks at Hillheads earlier this afternoon and hope for a Nottingham win. Either way, both sides will have an eye on the Deeside Dragons v Blackburn Hawks fixture in North Wales this evening as that decides sixth and seventh in the table, and consequently who will play the Stars and the Warriors. Billingham are the side to avoid, the Sharks and the Stars the form teams as Manchester’s Final Four showpiece looms. A full squad should travel for this late face off, Patriks Grigors remaining the notable absentee as his ban extends into post-season.

Billingham travel to Nottingham Lions today for their final National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture of the season, face off is 7.15pm.

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Solway Sharks 14 Deeside Dragons 4

Widnes Wild 5 Solihull Barons 4

Whitley Warriors v Solway Sharks, Sunday 5pm

Sheffield Scimitars v Solihull Barons, Sunday 5.10pm

Deeside Dragons v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 5.15pm

Nottingham Lions v Billingham Stars, Sunday 7.15pm