PREVIEW: MATCH WEEK 22
BILLINGHAM STARS return to National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 action this evening as basement side Sheffield Scimitars visit the Forum.
It’s been a season of highs and lows for the Scimitars, unfortunately for the Yorkshiremen mostly lows as they find themselves rooted to the foot of the table, and with less games to play than the two teams above them. Just three regulation time wins are all the Sheffield outfit have to show for their efforts, although two of those have come on the road. The Scimitars are building for the future with a clear development pathway from the juniors all the way through to the Elite League Steelers in the works, but for the moment they are struggling to put together any kind of run and look set to miss out on the playoffs unless they can find some form and quickly. Sheffield recently added to their ranks with the pre-deadline signings of Brandon Chard and Lewis Otley, plus netminder Matty Bloor on a two-way contract with Telford Tigers. Chard and Bloor went straight into the lineup for yesterday’s home clash against Whitley Warriors, the visitors skating out 2-4 victors despite a late double from the hosts.
🔗 Sheffield Scimitars on Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/8137/sheffield-scimitars
The Stars will need to park last weekend’s Moralee Cup semi-final success until next month, full focus on the League is paramount as the team chase back-to-back Championships. Blackburn Hawks narrowed the gap at the top of the table to nine points last night with a 2-6 win at Widnes Wild and still have a game in hand, so it is imperative that Billingham make no mistakes this evening. The Teessiders should be able to ice an almost full bench at the Forum tonight as they look to extend their unbeaten home record.
The Stars host Sheffield Scimitars in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 later this evening, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £14 adults, £10 concessions, £46 family [2+2].
Weekend Fixtures/Results:
NIHL N1 Saturday:
🗡️ Sheffield Scimitars 2️⃣ - 4️⃣ Whitley Warriors 🏹
⚜️ Solihull Barons 4️⃣ - 3️⃣ Hull Jets ✈️ (after overtime)
🐾 Widnes Wild 2️⃣ - 6️⃣ Blackburn Hawks 🦅
NIHL N1 Sunday:
🏹 Whitley Warriors 🆚 Solihull Barons ⚜️
💫 Billingham Stars 🆚 Sheffield Scimitars 🗡️
🦅 Blackburn Hawks 🆚 Leeds Knights 2 ⚔️
🦁 Nottingham Lions 🆚 Deeside Dragons 🐉