Weekend Preview: Stars v Lions 291022 / Stars v Warriors 301022

BILLINGHAM STARS are preparing for a two-game homestand this weekend in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1, Nottingham Lions the visitors this evening before the first Tees-Tyne derby of the season tomorrow when Whitley Warriors make the short trip down to the Forum.

The whipping boys of North 1 for some seasons, Nottingham finally started putting the pieces of their junior development jigsaw together last year and are now starting to see their patience and dedication pay dividends. Whilst not expecting to trouble the top of the table, the Lions are no longer looking at the wooden spoon either and can give any team a hard time on any given night. Three wins and a current mid-table position are testament to that, and they will not be daunted by a trip to Teesside where they bagged a point with an overtime loss last season. Their danger man remains Zach Yokoyama, a real thorn in the side of many a defence over the last year and capable of finding the net whatever the opposition.

Near neighbours Whitley find themselves sitting pretty at the top of the early Moralee Conference table with just one defeat so far to title rivals Solway Sharks. The Warriors quickly avenged that loss by taking the Sharks in the reverse fixture at Hillheads a few weeks ago, setting up another struggle between the two for the League championship. The squad retains most of the names familiar to Stars fans, plus Lewis Crisp who made the switch in the summer. Whitley have had to cope with a few departures however, notably Rolands Gritāns who will have to wait for his first taste of the derby in Billingham colours as he remains on the side-lines. Former Star Dylan Hehir has stepped up to the National League with Leeds Knights, whilst Jordan Barnes is a long-term absentee due to injury. The roster is as strong as ever though, and with derby success expected from the Hillheads faithful, Whitley will be confident of extending their record over their local rivals.

A four-point weekend from Billingham last time out pushed the Stars to third in the table with a game in hand over the top two. A somewhat lacklustre display on Saturday was enough to overcome Blackburn Hawks, but the performance on the road at Widnes Wild the following night really caught the eye as Billingham gave their hosts no quarter and were ruthless in attack to come out comfortable victors. This weekend presents two very different challenges, and the Stars will have to continue without Gritāns although the news regarding his return to action in the coming weeks is positive. Jack Emerson remains unavailable, but Joe Walls returns. A potential new face this weekend could be Musa Musaiev who is available for selection after his registration and transfer from Whitley was finally completed. 16-year-old Ukrainian defenceman Musaiev played a handful of games for the Warriors at the start of the season where he impressed before making the switch to the Stars.

The Stars face Nottingham Lions in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 later today, 5.30pm at the Forum. They then welcome Whitley Warriors tomorrow evening, face off also 5.30pm. Tickets for both games are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £40 family [2+2].

Weekend Fixtures:

NIHL(N)1:

Billingham Stars v Nottingham Lions, Saturday 5.30pm

Solway Sharks v Blackburn Hawks, Saturday 7pm

Sheffield Scimitars v Widnes Wild, Saturday 7.30pm

Solihull Barons v Deeside Dragons, Sunday 5.30pm

Billingham Stars v Whitley Warriors, Sunday 5.30pm

Nottingham Lions v Sheffield Scimitars, Sunday 7.15pm