Match Preview: Stars v Scimitars 050223
BILLINGHAM STARS go into this evening’s National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 game against basement side Sheffield Scimitars full of confidence after a 17-goal return last weekend saw off Nottingham Lions and Blackburn Hawks.
It’s been a tough campaign so far for the Scimitars – just one point to show for their efforts thus far and a zero in the W column. Sheffield teams in years gone by have relied on their expansive junior development programme to provide the talent to sustain their squads at all senior levels, it would appear that this season is one of development for many of those juniors and the learning curve has been steep. With the top eight making the playoffs this year, it would seem that Sheffield are likely to miss out, bar potential points deductions elsewhere. This weekend is an away double-header for the Scimitars, a trip to Nottingham yesterday again proving fruitless as they went down 8-2 on the main pad. They have pushed teams hard this season however, regardless of scoreline, and can be relied upon to give 100% so the Stars cannot afford to let up this evening.
Billingham are buoyant after demolishing their opponents last weekend, the victory in Blackburn particularly sweet coming as it did with a number of players missing. Just five defencemen iced against the Hawks, and the Stars continuing issues with injury will have an impact again this evening with Joe Walls, Tommy Spraggon, Shaun Galloway and Lucas Dowdle all unlikely to start. Billingham have proved that they can cope with a short bench, what they need to avoid is overconfidence and complacency as any team can cause a surprise on any given night. With Solihull Barons still breathing down Teesside necks in the battle for third place, the Stars can ill afford a night off.
Billingham take on Sheffield Scimitars 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:
Nottingham Lions 8 Sheffield Scimitars 2
Deeside Dragons 2 Solway Sharks 7
Blackburn Hawks 2 Whitley Warriors 3 (after overtime and penalty shots)
Deeside Dragons v Widnes Wild, Sunday 5pm
Whitley Warriors v Solihull Barons, Sunday 5pm
Billingham Stars v Sheffield Scimitars, Sunday 5.30pm
Nottingham Lions v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 7.15pm