Weekend Preview: Sharks v Stars 031222 / Stars v Hawks 041222
BILLINGHAM STARS long month away from the Forum comes to an end in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 this weekend, but not before that most difficult of trips over the border to League leaders Solway Sharks this evening.
After - by their own illustrious standards - an indifferent start to their campaign, Solway made the signing they wanted and brought in feared Slovakian forward Peter Gápa, a fan favourite since 2018. Since his return the Sharks have been a different proposition - they have put themselves in the box seat in the League by beating nearest rivals Whitley Warriors and last weekend they racked up 24 goals whilst conceding just 2 on the road at Sheffield Scimitars and perhaps more impressively at Solihull Barons where a 1-8 final score certainly caught the eye. With Solway now seemingly back in control, it will take a full team performance to cause what would be an upset and take both points.
The Stars return to home comforts tomorrow when Blackburn Hawks make their second visit of the season. The Hawks have started to find some form in recent weeks and got a surprise penalty shot win over the Warriors last Sunday to cement their upward trajectory. Billingham started their long stint away from Teesside with a hard-fought 1-4 win at the Nest, but both games between the sides so far have been both physical and mental battles so the Stars will need to make sure they have enough in the tank to meet what is sure to be a tough challenge.
The Stars will want to finish this long road trip on a high tonight after faltering against Widnes Wild last Sunday. Billingham looked out of sorts on Merseyside and lacked the energy required to match a dogged Wild outfit, going down 5-2 and ending a good run of results. A win this evening would be unexpected but not unachievable, the Stars with a win over the Sharks already this season with this the last of the scheduled four meetings between the two. Billingham’s home form has been excellent and tomorrow represents a chance for the boys to put on a show for the Forum faithful after so long away. Doubts linger over Joe Walls for this weekend, otherwise all save Jack Emerson and Sam Dowd should be available for selection.
The Stars face Solway Sharks in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 later today, 7pm in Dumfries. They return to the Forum to play Blackburn Hawks tomorrow, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £40 family [2+2].
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL N1:
Solway Sharks v Billingham Stars, Saturday 7pm
Billingham Stars v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 5.30pm
Solihull Barons v Sheffield Scimitars, Sunday 5.30pm
Widnes Wild v Solway Sharks, Sunday 5.30pm