PREVIEW: MATCH WEEK 8
BILLINGHAM STARS return from a week off National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 duties to tackle two potential banana skins as they travel to Sheffield Scimitars tomorrow afternoon, then it’s back to the Forum on Sunday for a duel with League new boys Leeds Knights 2.
Up until last weekend, it looked like it was going to be a long season for the Scimitars. Winless and pointless, Sheffield had also suffered the loss of netminder Matt Croyle back to Deeside Dragons and a coaching change with Steve Weeks picking the reins back up from Mike Szollosy. But then they travelled to Humberside for their second road clash of the season against Hull Jets and – despite most expecting a home win – the Scimitars came back from a goal down in the final period to snatch victory with two powerplay goals in the final four minutes. A shock result for sure, but one that reminds the Stars that any team is capable of getting a result on any given night.
🔗 Sheffield Scimitars on Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/8137/sheffield-scimitars
Sunday night sees some news faces and a new jersey in town as newbies Leeds visit Teesside for the first time. First and foremost a development side for the National League Knights, the North 1 outfit has had a tough introduction to the League and currently sits eighth with just the two wins. As with any development team however, much will depend upon who turns out on Sunday evening. Should they ice, Billingham fans should look out for former Scimitar Fritz Heinzle, hot prospect Edgars Vengis and former Star Andy Munroe, who is assisting Head Coach David Lawrence.
🔗 Leeds Knights 2 on Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/39756/leeds-knights-2
On paper the Stars should be expecting to secure all six points this weekend, but with the League continuing to throw up some interesting results, nothing should be taken for granted. After illness swept through the camp on their week off, Billingham should be approaching full strength and welcome back Darren Stattersfield following his four-game suspension.
The Stars face Sheffield Scimitars in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 at IceSheffield tomorrow afternoon, face off 4.40pm. They are back at the Forum on Sunday evening to take on Leeds Knights 2, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £14 adults, £10 concessions, £46 family [2+2].
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL N1 Saturday:
🗡️ Sheffield Scimitars 🆚 Billingham Stars 💫
⚔️ Leeds Knights 2 🆚 Hull Jets ✈️
🦅 Blackburn Hawks 🆚 Whitley Warriors 🏹
NIHL N1 Sunday:
💫 Billingham Stars 🆚 Leeds Knights 2 ⚔️
⚜️ Solihull Barons 🆚 Deeside Dragons 🐉
🐾 Widnes Wild 🆚 Blackburn Hawks 🦅