Weekend Preview: Match Week 29
BILLINGHAM STARS can afford to watch the drama unfold elsewhere in National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 this evening, the title secured and therefore top seed in the playoffs already guaranteed.
The same cannot be said for today’s opponents. Local rivals Whitley Warriors need to equal or better the result for Hull Jets playing away at Sheffield Scimitars to pip the Jets to fifth place and set up a playoff quarter final against Deeside Dragons rather than the loser of today’s clash between Solihull Barons and Blackburn Hawks. Regardless of the result today, Whitley’s management team seem happy with their efforts over the year as the retention of Head Coach Tony Hand for next season suggests. A big playoff push is needed for the supporters however, as a side fancied to take over from Solway Sharks as the League’s ‘top dogs’ limps over the line in mid-table. It has taken the return of some old faces to turn the Warriors season back in something like the right direction, but the fact that two of those players – Dean Holland and Phil Edgar – are fifth and sixth in their points table despite playing only a quarter of their games suggests where the coach needs to be looking to strengthen in the summer.
For new League Champions Billingham, today’s game represents a chance to get on a roll before the playoffs get underway next weekend. Stars’ opponents are not yet decided, Nottingham Lions finished their regular season yesterday in eighth place, but a win today for Sheffield Scimitars would see the Yorkshiremen overtake the Lions and face Billingham next weekend. The Stars are still nursing a few knocks and may well take the opportunity to rest some players today with little on the line except local pride, however with three big wins over their derby rivals this season, Billingham will be keen to make it four from four and go into next weekend with Northeast bragging rights as a boost.
The Stars welcome Whitley Warriors to the Forum for their final National Ice Hockey League (N) Moralee Division 1 regular season game this evening, face off 5.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 adults, £8 concessions, £38 family [2+2].
Weekend Fixtures/Results:
NIHL(N)1:
Nottingham Lions 3 Whitley Warriors 6
Sheffield Scimitars v Hull Jets, Sunday 5.10pm
Deeside Dragons v Widnes Wild, Sunday 5.15pm
Billingham Stars v Whitley Warriors, Sunday 5.30pm
Solihull Barons v Blackburn Hawks, Sunday 5.30pm