Match Preview: Stars v Wild 161022

BILLINGHAM STARS host Widnes Wild for their first encounter this season in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 today as both teams seek to establish themselves with the League table taking shape.

Widnes are looking to emulate their feats from last season, a top three finish exceeding many observers’ best predictions for their first year in North 1. They will need to overcome the loss of several key players over the summer, Harrison Walker, Vlads Vulkanovs and Chris Wilcox amongst those departing the Wild for pastures new. An indifferent start to this campaign sees them sitting mid table, but they are in good recent form with two wins in their last two League games. Tempering that was a Challenge Cup loss to neighbours Deeside Dragons, their rivalry resuming after the Dragons prolonged absence following the COVID pandemic. Richard Haggar will be looking to keep up the League form and has every reason to feel confident after taking all eight points from the Stars last time out. At the back of his mind though will be the 8-1 mauling that Billingham inflicted on Widnes when it counted in the play-offs, effectively ending the Wild’s hopes of progressing to the Final Four weekend.

Billingham need to bounce back after Solihull Barons brought them right back down to earth with a 9-3 roasting on the road last Sunday. The Stars had been in buoyant mood prior to the game, coming on the back of a first win over champions Solway Sharks in four years. But Billingham were a shadow of the side that took the Sharks, on a night where nothing went right for the Stars. They know they can do far better than that performance, and a reaction is needed to get the win over a Wild side who seem quite unpredictable. Rolands Gritāns and Jack Emerson remain unavailable for today’s game, Stuart Jackson is rated at no better than 50/50.

The Stars face Widnes Wild 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].

Sunday Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Whitley Warriors v Solway Sharks, Sunday 5pm

Billingham Stars v Widnes Wild, Sunday 5.30pm

Solihull Barons v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 5.30pm

Nottingham Lions v Deeside Dragons, Sunday 7.15pm