Match Preview: Stars v Sharks 250922

BILLINGHAM STARS will face Solway Sharks for the third time this season in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 today as the fixtures throw up a particularly unkind start to the season.

Defending League and Play Off champions Solway have already demonstrated why they are the team to beat. With the season not even a month old and with the Scots on paper somewhat weaker than last time out, they remain unbeaten and have got one over their closest challengers of the last campaign Whitley Warriors. The key to their success remains as it has been for many seasons – the ability of Head Coach Martin Grubb to get the best out of whatever squad he has and to adapt the plan to suit the game situation. This was perfectly evident last Sunday – with the Stars well on top and threatening to finally get the better of their illustrious opponents, Grubb changed the system from the bench and nullified Billingham’s attacking threat. The Stars should expect more of the same today and will need to find an answer if they are to get a result.

Last weekend was a carbon copy of the previous weekend for Billingham, with a comfortable victory over Sheffield Scimitars in addition to the frustrating loss to Solway. There were plenty of positives to be taken from the Scimitars win, a double-figure goal tally on a pad that had not been a happy hunting ground for the Stars in the past. Those positives rolled into the opening exchanges of the Sharks game before Grubb worked his magic, something the players are being asked to bear in mind as they go into battle once more. Rolands Gritāns and Jack Emerson remain unavailable for today’s game and Stuart Jackson has been visiting the treatment table this week after sustaining a lower body injury at Sheffield last Saturday.

The Stars face Solway Sharks 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:

Billingham Stars v Solway Sharks, Sunday 5.30pm

Solihull Barons v Sheffield Scimitars, Sunday 5.30pm

Widnes Wild v Whitley Warriors, Sunday 5.30pm

Nottingham Lions v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 7.15pm