Billingham Stars are set for their third league clash against local rivals the Whitley Warriors at the TFM Ice Arenaon Sundaynight (face Off 18:30).
Stars coach Stephen Foster has told his side he wants a fast physical start against the visitors.
“We will be going full speed from the first whistle, we want to set a tempo that the Warriors won’t be able to live with”.
"We have worked hard this week on things that didn’t come together at Blackburn including special teams such as power plays”
Billingham Stars have seen their nine point hold at the top of ENL One North reduced to five points following last weekends defeat at the hands of Blackburn Hawks.
The Warriors gained full advantage and took the maximum four points, in two games last weekend.
Whitley were also boosted by the signature of Billingham Stars player Stuart Gibbon. Whitley Coach Garry Dowd put his debutant in at the deep end on a Coventry road trip, and the former Billingham Star hit the Warriors second goal in a tight 4 – 3 victory.
Following a long run of persistent injury’swithin his squad, ex Billingham Bomber and now Warriors player / coach Garry Dowd put his skates on and returned to the Warriors blue line last weekend.
The Tynesider`s also disposed of bottom of the table side, Solihull Barons with a convincing 7 – 3 score line to make it a full four point weekend.
Stars Coach Terry Ward has told his side they need to regain the consistency that put them at the top of the league, and put the Blackburn result behind them;
“Last weekend is history, its gone, when you look at our record so far this season played 21 lost 2, on face value its not a huge issue, but combine it with the fact that Whitley took a full four points, it makes this weekends game a must win”.
“We have beaten Whitley twice this season and everyone is up for the game and want to make it three, we will be back to full strength”
“At Blackburn we were missing players from across all lines, forwards and defence, that meant we had to play people off line and even out of their normal position”.
“The lads are ready for this big game, Billingham v Whitley games tend to have quite a lot of bump and grind and I am sure this game won’t be any different, Whitley will have spotted an opening, and will be going flat out to try and take the points, but we are confident we can keep their league challenge at bay”.
STARS manager Allen Flavell advises supporters to come down in good time, as a large crowd is anticipated.
“We will be opening the doors early again at 5.30 for a 6.30 face off, so if you want your normal seat we suggest you arrive in good time”.
