Match Preview: Scimitars v Stars 250223

BILLINGHAM STARS will get their weekend over early today with an afternoon face off in their only National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture against Sheffield Scimitars.

It’s been a difficult season for the Scimitars, winless until just a fortnight ago when they finally got their first victory of the campaign against Nottingham Lions, currently their main rivals for the last playoff berth. A youthful side with a sprinkling of ‘older heads’, the Scimitars will surely see this year as one of development from which they can push on as their young prospects mature. Some confidence-building wins at this stage of the season would set them up well for next time around even if they fail to make the playoffs, and as the Stars know already, any team is capable of turning any other team over in this League. The larger ice at IceSheffield has caught out Billingham teams in the past, but with two young, fast sides skating out this afternoon, a pacey game can be expected.

The Stars continue to roll out the results they need to put their name on third place, a 2-7 demolition of Whitley Warriors last Sunday a statement win in their pursuit of the top two. Whilst second place is realistically a long shot at best, Billingham still have Solihull breathing down their necks for third so there can be no let-up this afternoon. The Stars have long-term injuries keeping out Shaun Galloway and Lucas Dowdle, plus a late spearing call against Patriks Grigors in the Whitley game may have finished the Latvian’s season with a lengthy ban expected.

Billingham travel to IceSheffield for a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture against Sheffield Scimitars this afternoon, face off 4pm.

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Sheffield Scimitars v Billingham Stars, Saturday 4pm

Blackburn Hawks v Deeside Dragons, Saturday 6pm

Widnes Wild v Nottingham Lions, Saturday 7pm

Sheffield Scimitars v Solway Sharks, Sunday 5.10pm

Solihull Barons v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 5.30pm

Widnes Wild v Deeside Dragons, Sunday 5.30pm