Weekend Preview: Match Week 8
BILLINGHAM STARS welcome Nottingham Lions to the Forum tomorrow for a ‘spooktacular’ National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 fixture, the Teessiders aiming to keep their advantage at the top of the League and Cup tables.
Nottingham have had a mixed start to the season, just two wins from their opening nine matches plus two overtime losses contributing to a points total of six possibly not the return that Head Coach Matt Bradbury was hoping for. Once again their main threat comes in the form of Zach Yokoyama, 15 points so far testament to the Swiss native’s importance. Yokoyama also tops the Lions PIMs table, and given how useful he is on the ice, it is perhaps an area of concern that he has spent time wasted in the sinbin. Last weekend’s 6-7 overtime loss to the Solihull Barons was particularly heartbreaking for Nottingham, the Barons winner being the only time they had led in the entire game, however it did show that – when they bring their A game – the Lions are more than a match for any team in the League.
The Billingham bandwagon keeps rolling on, a 6-3 victory over League new boys Hull Jets last Sunday keeping a four-point gap between themselves and nearest challengers Solihull at the top of the table. Although there was more than a touch of good fortune about a couple of the Stars goals, the win was a convincing one in the end and avenged that opening day defeat in fine style. Billingham will look back just a month to a dominant 2-10 win over the Lions at the Motorpoint Arena by way of inspiration, but they know they can ill afford to take a night off as the League is proving hugely competitive this season. The injury sustained by Joe Dowdle during the third period last Sunday will not prevent him playing tomorrow, whilst Mark Turnbull is available after missing last weekend. Callum Wilkinson has yet to resume training, whilst Patriks Grigors continues to sit out his lengthy suspension.
The Stars face Nottingham Lions in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 tomorrow evening, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £38 family [2+2]. Note that this is the Stars ‘Hockeyween’ fixture with plenty of Halloween-themed fun to be had. Don’t forget to dress up!
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL(N)1:
Solihull Barons v Widnes Wild, Saturday 6.30pm
Sheffield Scimitars v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 1pm
Whitley Warriors v Widnes Wild, Sunday 5pm
Deeside Dragons v Solihull Barons, Sunday 5.15pm
Billingham Stars v Nottingham Lions, Sunday 5.30pm