Weekend Preview: Stars v Hawks 221022 / Wild v Stars 231022

BILLINGHAM STARS are in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 action all weekend this time round, starting with a rare Saturday home game against Blackburn Hawks today before facing a return trip to Widnes Wild tomorrow afternoon.

It’s been a tough start for Blackburn as their much-revamped side has struggled to find much form, their two wins to date coming against basement side Sheffield Scimitars. Under the tutelage of former Hull Pirates coach Dominic Osman, the Hawks have had to cope with the loss of several key players over the summer, notably danger men Petr Valusiak and Jared Dickinson. The revolving door has continued into the new season with Lee Pollitt leaving for Hull Seahawks just before the first drop of the puck. Coming in to replace the various departures are names possibly not as familiar to Stars fans, especially between the pipes as young netminders Ben Keddie and Alex Oldale step up from Kirkcaldy Kestrels and Sheffield Titans respectively. Import defenceman Devids Jurinenoks is currently Blackburn’s sole overseas player whilst the rest of the roster is a mix of older heads in the likes of Aaron Davies plus younger talent plucked from North 2. Once settled, it will be interesting to see what impact the Hawks can make at the business end of the table.

The trip to Widnes tomorrow is the reverse of last Sunday’s fixture, with the Wild looking to avenge their 6-3 loss at the Forum. In a game that Billingham dominated, Widnes’ standout players were Miles Finney in the net and young utility player Rhys Edwards, who earned the visitors’ Man-of-the-Match award. Wild looked to strengthen their roster during the week with the signing of forward Jacob Corson-Heron who will offer an additional option up front, but he will need time to get up to speed having been out of the game for some time, last icing for Deeside Dragons in the 2016-2017 season and then only for one game.

The Stars returned to winning ways in fine style last Sunday with a comfortable victory over tomorrow’s opponents. The challenge now is to keep the momentum going as they roll into a couple of busy weekends. It is crucial for Billingham to remain in touch towards the top end of the table as Solway Sharks and Whitley Warriors look to make it a two-horse race once again. Billingham will again be without Rolands Gritāns and Jack Emerson, whilst Joe Walls is rated as doubtful through illness. The Under-18s are in action today at Kingston which means Sam Dowd and Lucas Dowdle will only be available for tomorrow’s road trip.

The Stars face Blackburn Hawks in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 later today, 5.30pm at the Forum. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £40 family [2+2]. They then travel to Widnes Wild tomorrow for another 5.30pm face off.

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Billingham Stars v Blackburn Hawks, Saturday 5.30pm

Solway Sharks v Widnes Wild, Saturday 7pm

Sheffield Scimitars v Nottingham Lions, Sunday 5.10pm

Solihull Barons v Whitley Warriors, Sunday 5.30pm

Widnes Wild v Billingham Stars, Sunday 5.30pm

Blackburn Hawks v Deeside Dragons, Sunday 6pm