Weekend Preview: Match Week 27
BILLINGHAM STARS remain tantalisingly close to landing the National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 title, three points this weekend would see them crowned champions with Solihull Barons unable to take advantage of the Stars defeat to the Deeside Dragons last Sunday.
A trip to basement side Sheffield Scimitars later today is not one that Billingham will be taking lightly. Although they are bottom of the table, they are just a point adrift of Nottingham Lions and the final playoff berth. As they have demonstrated on numerous occasions this season, the Scimitars are more than capable of turning it on, their most recent result being a hugely impressive 3-9 win on the road at Widnes Wild. The larger pad at IceSheffield has been known to trip the Stars up before, and with precious playoff points at stake, Sheffield will be no pushovers.
Tomorrow’s visitors to the Forum are Hull Jets, possibly the most schizophrenic side in the division this year. Newly promoted from the Laidler Conference, the Jets have exceeded expectations by reaching the Cup semi-final and are still pushing hard for a top four finish. Their Achilles heel would appear to be their form on the road – at home Hull have been dominant, just two defeats all season on Humberside. Yet on their travels the Jets have struggled to find the same formula, four wins their only reward and the reason why they sit in sixth place rather than higher up the table. That said, Billingham can ill afford to assume that form will continue and must watch out for the likes of Rich Haggar and Kieran Beach if they are to put their mini-slump behind them.
The Stars have been going through a sticky patch in recent weeks, injuries compounded by lack of form and confidence seeing them lose their second League game on the bounce last Sunday. Fortunately for them, the chasing Barons could not capitalise and their defeat at Whitley Warriors means that three points from the four on offer this weekend would see the Teessiders finish Sunday night as champions. They must overcome the Scimitars and Jets one game at a time however and can take neither for granted especially as injuries continue to plague the side. Iain Brown will be out for some time yet and possibly the season, whilst Joe Walls faces a late fitness test. Shaun Galloway resumed training this week but remains a doubt for the weekend.
The Stars are at IceSheffield this afternoon for a 4.40pm National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 face off against Sheffield Scimitars. They then welcome Hull Jets to the Forum tomorrow evening, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £38 family [2+2].
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL(N)1:
Sheffield Scimitars v Billingham Stars, Saturday 4.40pm
Hull Jets v Nottingham Lions, Saturday 5.30pm
Deeside Dragons v Whitley Warriors, Sunday 5.15pm
Billingham Stars v Hull Jets, Sunday 5.30pm
Solihull Barons v Nottingham Lions, Sunday 5.30pm
Blackburn Hawks v Sheffield Scimitars, Sunday 6pm