Match Preview: Stars v Dragons 111222

BILLINGHAM STARS take to the ice at the Forum for the final time in 2022 this afternoon to face the returning Deeside Dragons who are resuming National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 duties after a delay to their home ice reopening meant they had to take a small break away.

The Dragons welcome return after an extended post-COVID break was put on hold weeks into the new season when it transpired that their rink would not be opening on time. Happily that situation is now resolved and they finally skated out in front of their home fans last night, a 5-3 win over Nottingham Lions the perfect homecoming present. The Dragons resume their campaign understandably near the foot of the table having played just six games prior to their pause, and they have work to do as those six games yielded just two points. They have the talent in the squad however, and it will be interesting to see how they approach playing ‘catch-up hockey’ for the remainder of the season.

The Stars finally returned to home ice last Sunday, their 6-3 win over Blackburn Hawks welcome relief after two miserable trips to Widnes Wild and Solway Sharks dented the confidence somewhat. Recent results have left Billingham still sitting in third place, but with Widnes and Solihull Barons both in striking distance it is important that the Teessiders keep some momentum, and especially on home ice. The Stars will be without defenceman Patriks Grigors for the immediate future after he picked up a six-game suspension following an incident in the game at Solway. Sam Dowd has returned from injury but Shaun Galloway is on the treatment table with an upper body injury sustained in the win over the Hawks.

Billingham take on Deeside Dragons in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 later today, 5.30pm at the Forum. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £40 family [2+2].

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Deeside Dragons 5 Nottingham Lions 3

Whitley Warriors v Sheffield Scimitars, Sunday 5pm

Billingham Stars v Deeside Dragons, Sunday 5.30pm

Blackburn Hawks v Widnes Wild, Sunday 6pm

Nottingham Lions v Solihull Barons, Sunday 7.30pm