Match Preview: Warriors v Stars 181222
BILLINGHAM STARS final game in 2022 will be a short trip up the road this afternoon for a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 derby with Whitley Warriors.
Once again challenging at the top of the table, the Warriors will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak this afternoon against their nearest neighbours to keep up the pressure on League leaders Solway Sharks. Currently four points adrift, today’s fixture is Whitley’s game in hand over the Scots so represents an excellent opportunity to close the gap before the festive break. The Tynesiders got back to winning ways last Sunday with a comprehensive 7-1 defeat of basement side Sheffield Scimitars to bounce back from a surprise overtime loss to Blackburn Hawks a few weeks’ previously. Little slip-ups like this could cost the Warriors dear in the long run, so realistically they cannot afford to drop points today.
The Stars showed immense character and resilience to battle back against Deeside Dragons last Sunday, two late goals with the netminder pulled to take the game to overtime and then the sudden death winner certainly kept the crowd entertained. The result was what mattered, although the coaches will have been working to fix a poor start to the game that put Billingham in the hole they had to dig themselves out of. The Stars would like nothing more than to end their miserable run against their local rivals this afternoon, but if they are to do so it will be without several key players: Patriks Grigors is suspended, and Shaun Galloway remains on the treatment table. Michael Elder is rated as highly doubtful after picking up a lower body injury during the week whilst Thomas Brown may also have to sit this one out through illness.
Billingham travel to Whitley Warriors for a National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture later this afternoon, face off 5pm. Keep watching the Stars socials for news of a possible Cup semi-final before they return to League action in January.
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL(N)1:
Deeside Dragons 6 Blackburn Hawks 5
Whitley Warriors v Billingham Stars, Sunday 5pm
Deeside Dragons v Sheffield Scimitars, Sunday 5.15pm
Solihull Barons v Widnes Wild, Sunday 5.30pm
Blackburn Hawks v Nottingham Lions, Sunday 6pm