Weekend Preview: Match Week 10
BILLINGHAM STARS return to National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 action later today three weeks after their last outing, an absence due in part to the devastating loss of Adam Johnson who will be honoured before and during today’s game.
Today’s opponents Sheffield Scimitars currently sit at the foot of the table, but the League is a much closer affair this season and the gap from top to bottom is no longer the gulf it once was, as proved by the Scimitars penalty shot win over Whitley Warriors last weekend. Indeed, a good run of results would put Sheffield in the mix in mid-table and – as with any team – they cannot be underestimated. Given their recent boost in confidence, the Stars can certainly expect a closer affair than their 7-0 victory over the Scims back in September.
Tomorrow’s trip to Nottingham will be an emotional one. Quite rightly the reverse fixture between the two sides a fortnight ago was postponed as the Nottingham ice hockey community woke to the dreadful news of Adam Johnson’s passing. It still feels odd to be talking about a hockey game with this backdrop, however the Lions returned to the ice last weekend and have done their Panthers brethren proud with how they have conducted themselves. From a League perspective, Nottingham are struggling to find a rhythm and results of late have not been kind but there will be no room for complacency and the Stars know they have a job to do.
It is important for Billingham to shake off a three-week layoff as quickly as they can this evening. Despite having not played for two weekends, the Stars remain top of the table with other sides unable to take advantage and results very much going the Teessiders way. The break allowed the squad to rest up however, and as such the weekend should see a strong roster for both games. They continue to ice without the suspended Patriks Grigors, whose return is now delayed another week due to the postponed Lions game, and will also be without Alex Preston who suffered an injury in training midweek. On the plus side however, Callum Wilkinson has resumed training after a long injury layoff and could start his first game of the season should he pass a late fitness test.
The Stars take on Sheffield Scimitars in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 this evening, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £38 family [2+2]. Tomorrow they will travel to Nottingham Lions for a 7.20pm face off.
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL(N)1:
Billingham Stars v Sheffield Scimitars, Saturday 5.30pm
Widnes Wild v Solihull Barons, Saturday 7pm
Sheffield Scimitars v Widnes Wild, Sunday 2.10pm
Whitley Warriors v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 5pm
Deeside Dragons v Hull Jets, Sunday 5.15pm
Nottingham Lions v Billingham Stars, Sunday 7.20pm