NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 MORALEE CONFERENCE

Sunday 3rd January 2016

Billingham Stars vs. Solihull Barons

As the only fixture for our NIHL Northern Trio this weekend, all eyes will be on Billingham Stars for their first game of 2016 on Sunday in which they are set to take on Perry Doyle’s Solihull Barons.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Currently holding onto sixth position, with Solway Sharks just three points behind them and Sheffield Spartans only three points in front, Terry Ward’s men will look to take maximum points in a bid to pile the pressure onto the Yorkshire outfit who have played nineteen fixtures in comparison to Billingham’s sixteen. With games in hand, the Stars could move up the table in the next few weeks but, set to encounter the Barons again on the 10^th January, and Sutton Sting a week later, this will be no mean feat. 

Already, the Barons have proved their worth in Division One following their promotion last season, recently switching fourth position for third to get ahead of playoff rivals Telford Tigers in the NIHL league table. Led by experienced player-coach Doyle, Solihull have shown great quality and versatility from the first face off of the season, winning six consecutive fixtures over the course of October, and into the first week of November, to both impress and stun their Division One rivals. The goal scoring abilities of two-way player Thomas Soar, alternate captain Josh Bruce and forward Edward Eaton places the trio in the ‘NIHL’s top ten most valuable players’ bracket at present, having accumulated ninety three points between them.

Another standout feature of Barons’ play is the power displayed by the team on a weekly basis which is somewhat reflected in the four hundred and twelve penalty minutes that have been conceded by the side since September. However, as this style of play is combined with effective offensive work, the Barons demonstrate their balance of strength and skill, an equilibrium which has certainly paid off, the side winning ten games out of seventeen to earn an impressive twenty points.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Whilst Solihull are set to face Sutton Sting on Saturday prior to their clash with the Stars, Billingham go into this fixture on the back of a loss against league leaders Blackburn Hawks. As a result, Terry Ward’s team will be searching for a win over the Barons to ensure that they not only enhance their current position, but do not slip into further difficulties. On hand to aid Billingham through such challenges is sturdy shot stopper James Flavell who continues to show his fortitude between the pipes with a save percentage of 92.24%. Whilst it may seem that Billingham have so far fallen short of their objective to compete within the top four spots again this season, the team still has time to turn their fortune around, particularly as import Dennis Boström and versatile winger Chris Sykes continue to light the lamp for the Teesiders. However, injury woes have hampered the team’s efforts in recent games with Jack Davies, James Moss, Jamie Pattison and Matthew Campbell all missing out against Blackburn, whilst Paul Windridge and Michael Bowman also sustained injuries during Billingham’s encounter with the Hawks two weeks ago. Should these players be side-lined again on Sunday, their absence will have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, particularly as the loss of these crucial players caused disruption to Terry Ward’s lines in the side’s previous fixture. With the Barons having already triumphed over Billingham twice, both at Hobs Moat Road and The Forum, Billingham will surely be out for revenge against the outfit and can only hope that these key players will soon be back with the team as they look to fight for points in the coming months.

For fans hoping to attend this game, Billingham Stars face off against Solihull Barons at The Forum from 6:30pm.

For more photos from IceHockeyMedia, please visit: http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/.

Team Talk

TEAM TALK

With an interesting season unfolding before us, NIHL Northern Trio took the opportunity to catch up with Sharks’ Struan Tonnar, Star Chris Sykes, Warriors Shaun Kippin and Richie Lawson and Senator Mark Hartley. Here are their thoughts on the 2015-16 campaign at present:

Struan Tonnar

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

As team captain of Solway, Struan Tonnar is one of Sharks’ most valued ice hockey players. Here’s what he thinks of the season so far:

What has been your highlight of the season to date?

I can’t say there has been one particular highlight. Just being back to playing after the summer and getting back with the guys is what it is all about. We still enjoy it and each other. It’s hard to top that. It’s nice to see everyone just sticking together through everything and, despite it all, still pulling in the same direction.

What do you hope to achieve with Solway Sharks this campaign?

Unfortunately, this year, the league is beyond us. Like most other teams we are after those four playoff spots and throwing everything we have at making sure we make that playoff final and, of course, lift the silverware at the end of it.

Which members of the team have impressed you so far?

I think the most impressive has to be our young kids. We have sixteen, seventeen and eighteen year olds coming out and stepping into some tough situations. They love to skate and they don’t stop. It’s great to have them on the team. They’ll be something to watch in years to come and then the likes of young (Michael) Corbett starting to get ice time at this level has shown that he can not only step up, but how easy it can be for anyone to fit in with the core group of guys we have. We have to credit ourselves with that. If we can get more of these young guys in and get them learning a thing or two through playing then we are definitely on the right tracks.

What long term affect do you think the injuries to Martin Cingel and Alan Crane will have?

I think we already saw what happened when we lost Cingel, (his absence) took a lot of experience from the ice. We learned and have managed to deal with that now. It will now just be a bonus when we can get him back fit and healthy and skating again. We’ve still had him on the bench so we can pick his brain and still get some of that knowledge. Craner (Alan Crane) has always been a solid, smart player that any team would be happy to have. To lose him is a major blow; he’s a well-respected player in the team, on and off the ice, and we’ll struggle to replace his presence. It’s an awful injury to sustain and it shows the dangers that can happen out on the ice. Everyone is helping him and we all hope he recovers quickly and back to the standards he holds himself to.

Which other teams or players have impressed you? Is there anybody that has surprised you in particular?

Honestly, I think pretty much every team has stepped up their game. We could all see that Whitley had only one thing in mind this summer and it was to get as far away from the troubles they had last year and clearly they’ve done that. The biggest impression that’s been left so far is the form Telford and Solihull have shown. To come up from promotion and fit right into the top of the table is a great achievement. If they keep this up, it’s going to be hard for anyone else to break into the top four. That’s before you even mention Billingham, Blackburn or Sutton. The standard of the league has done nothing but improve year after year and, since we joined, it’s a credit to each team that they constantly set their ambitions higher each time.

Solway’s last two fixtures were cancelled due to bad weather. How much of a hindrance has this been to the club?

It’s a shame, due to circumstances that no one can control, that we had to cancel two games. No one likes to miss out and I can’t imagine how much it sucked for Telford and Sutton to come all that way and just be turned around. Hopefully, it can all be sorted out soon and have the games in our schedule. From our point of view, it’s given us the chance to get some players recovered from injury and hopefully back to the line-up for the New Year with them not having to miss any more games. We’ll also have young Duncan Speirs back from GB duty so he won’t have missed any games for us which is good. Other than that, we all got a chance to head upstairs and chill out, everyone as a team, which was good. Just relaxing always helps to knit a team tighter and it did that.

Solway has also entered into the North Cup this season? How have you found these extra fixtures?

I love the cup. I think it’s a shame that it’s only going to be the top team that wins it and there won’t be a final because another final in anyone’s case is fantastic to be a part of. Whether we made the final or not would be irrelevant, I just think it provides a far better scenario and spectacle for it to finish. Don’t let anyone tell you ‘it’s just the cup’. No team ever steps out without an attitude of winning whatever cup it is, and the fans are the same, that’s why we’re all part of this sport. The extra fixtures in the season are great. I actually wish there was more. These single game weekends aren’t as fun; double header weekends are far better in my opinion. Throughout the year, they would really test some teams’ brass and teams would be able to bond a lot more. And more hockey all round, it’s hard to complain about that, shame it can’t always be the case though.

Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Solway Sharks in the long term?

Future hopes for us from anyone who has anything to do with this club is to be back sitting top of the league. If we can do this while still developing young Brits and moving them up to a good standard of hockey, then I think we’ll be doing just fine but don’t worry, I doubt anyone will have to wait too long before we get back to the consistent force we were not so long ago.

Chris Sykes

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

As one of Billingham Stars’ top points scorers, Chris Sykes kindly shared his views:

“This season has been an up and down season so far, and not as we planned it at the start. However, we are in fifth and sitting in a good position. We know what we have to do for that playoff spot and over Christmas we are going to get ready for a big push for that. We know we have the talent and the team unit to do it, we just have to bear down a little more in tight situations and then we will be just fine!”

Shaun Kippin

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Now in his ninth season with Whitley Warriors, long-serving forward Shaun Kippin told NIHL Northern Trio:

“I think we’ve had a great season so far, but I still feel there is more to come from this team come the end of the season. We are improving every week and it’s great to be a part of it. From a personal point of view, I’m just enjoying being back playing after a year out. My point production isn’t where I’d like it to be but I’m hoping to improve on that in the second half of the season.”

Mark Hartley

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

As netminder of Sheffield Senators, Mark Hartley has certainly encountered his fair share of shots this season. Here’s his take on life in Division One:

Who has been the most difficult forward you have faced so far?

I find that Joe Henry from Solihull Barons always manages to pick the smallest gaps. He has a lot of precision.

What has been your highlight of the season so far?

Just seeing the lads working their hardest every game. Results haven’t gone our way but that doesn’t stop our efforts.

How has the season been for you on a personal level?

On a personal level, I’ve been relatively happy. It’s fairly busy each game which gives me lots to do. I’d rather face sixty shots than ten though. Bobby (Robert Browne) and I are really enjoying the challenge and I think we’re doing okay given the circumstances.

What do you make of the jump from Division Two to Division One?

There is a clear difference in the standard but it really hasn’t helped that we have lost so many guys, but the guys we have give 100% every game so you can’t ask for much more.

Who do you think has stood out for the Senators?

It’s difficult to single anyone out. Every single lad brings something different to the team and they are all a great bunch of guys. I’d rather lose with this team than win with any other.

Which other teams have impressed you?

Blackburn is the obvious answer but they really are a great team. They can be incredibly clinical.

What are your hopes for the Senators in the New Year?

A win would be nice! Right now, I’d take a draw! But my biggest hope is that the boys maintain the efforts put in and we achieve our individual goals as a team and keep up the positive attitude.

Richie Lawson

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Warriors’ experienced netminder Richie Lawson also took time to tell NIHL Northern Trio what he has made of Whitley’s season so far:

What has been your favourite game to be involved in so far this season?

Billingham away-it felt good to break our curse and take the points in a dominating performance.

What has been your greatest highlight to date?

Beating Blackburn and holding top position.

…And your greatest disappointment?

Sheffield away, losing points.

What do you feel has been the Warriors’ greatest achievement so far?

Challenging for first position when aspirations are a top four finish.

How has the season been for you on a personal level?

Fantastic, it’s been a great start to the campaign. I am happy with my performance in the main to date but there is always room for improvement.

There have been several new signings for Whitley. Who have you enjoyed working with most?

It’s hard to single out one player as they all have their unique skill sets and abilities which they bring to the table.

Which players from Whitley have impressed you most?

Harry Harley, who is going from strength to strength and improving with each game, he is really solid and reliable defensively with the ability to quarterback a lot of our plays.

Which teams have impressed you most so far?

Blackburn is a good team with solid depth in their squad but, to be honest, the league is so competitive this year, almost all have made improvements. There is no such thing as an easy game anymore.

What are your hopes for Whitley in the New Year?

To continue to build and improve on our performances to date which will hopefully translate into wins. Our aspiration is a top four finish but wouldn’t it be great if we could push for the league title? I’m looking forward to picking up where we left off.

Thanks go to Struan Tonnar, Chris Sykes, Shaun Kippin, Mark Hartley and Richie Lawson for taking the time to respond to these questions, and also to Colin Lawson from IceHockeyMedia for his continued supply of photographs. Best wishes to all ice hockey coaches, players, fans and readers for 2016!

For more photos from IceHockeyMedia, please visit: http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/.

NIHL Weekend Action

Stars shot down as Hawks snatch top spot

Blackburn Hawks 5

Billingham Stars   2

The stakes high, this was never going to be an easy game for Billingham Stars as they looked to pick up two points against Blackburn Hawks to move ever closer to the NIHL’s much-sought playoff spots. Missing forwards Jack Davies and James Moss from the start, as well as defencemen Jamie Pattison and Matthew Campbell, Billingham took to the ice against a very strong Hawks team who made the decision to play second netminder Stuart Ashton between the pipes in place of player-assistant coach, Daniel Brittle. Out to reclaim poll position in the NIHL, the Lancashire outfit had yet another victory on their agenda ahead of their fixture against title rivals Whitley Warriors.

Early in the first period, efforts from experienced Stars’ defenceman Richie Thornton, and Hawks’ forward Ben Simister, failed to cause any damage in front of goal and it was only in the eighth minute that the puck found the back of the net, Billingham’s Michael Elder the to stun last season’s NIHL champions. A quick response was required of Daniel MacKriel’s side, and a quick response they provided; just over three minutes later, a jostle in front of James Flavell saw the sharp and skilful Aaron Davies flick the puck over the netminder to draw level. With momentum on their side, Blackburn had a goal in their sights once again but Flavell worked hard to keep Chris Arnone at bay. Likewise, Jack Emerson attempted to set up Paul Windridge for the travelling Stars but the shot went wide of its mark to send the teams in level at the first interval.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

The second period underway, Billingham found themselves at an advantage as Canadian import  RJ Berra served two minutes for a cross check. Though the Stars came close to scoring through Callum Davies, they could not light the lamp. Despite this, the visitors were presented with a second opportunity as the Hawks, having returned to full strength, lost defenceman Andy Dunn, and Berra once again, to the sin bin.

With a two man advantage, the Stars were not about to let the chance pass them by as they looked to gain the lead for a second time. As Ashton incidentally dropped the puck in the process of saving Tom Keeley’s speculative blue line shot, Elder pounced in front of the net and subsequently earned his second goal of the game with approximately twenty two minutes played.

As ever, the resilient Hawks bounced back with a goal of their own, Lee Pollitt hitting the puck high into Flavell’s net on 25:55 to make it 2-2. Despite cries of offside from the visitor’s bench, the officials allowed the goal to stand and Blackburn found themselves back in the game once again.

End to end ice hockey played out as both the Stars and the Hawks aimed to get the better of their opposition. Jordan Bannon failed to capitalise in the twenty ninth minute whilst Brown and Elder were kept out by Ashton just four minutes later. Following this, Hawks’ top points scorer broke down Stars’ defence to pressure Flavell but it was to no avail, the shot stopper remaining calm and collected to make the save whilst player-assistant coach Michael Bowman struck the post at the other end of the ice in the dying minutes of the second stanza.

With little separating the teams as they returned to the ice, the third period brought with it injury woes for Billingham, captain Paul Windridge and on-ice leader Bowman each sustaining injuries which left them unable to see out the game. Placed on the back foot as their lines became disordered, the Stars looked on as Brittle went for a wrap around in the opening minute of the period, whilst Bannon also forced a save from Flavell. Billingham attempted some counterattacking play but the Hawks came back stronger, almost slipping past defenceman Ben Davison to achieve a breakaway goal. Davison’s effort to prevent Blackburn from taking the lead was in vain however, the Lancashire side hitting home from the face off that followed through Berra.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

The score line 3-2, the relentless Hawks hampered Stars’ comeback before it had even began, a superb shot from Brittle ending up in the back of Flavell’s net. Calling a timeout, Terry Ward’s side gathered their thoughts and took to the ice once again with a view of reducing the two goal deficit. A chance to do so soon fell in Billingham’s favour as a minor clipping call on forward Bannon handed the visitors a power play. Despite this, Blackburn continued to dominate possession and soon increased their lead to 5-2 as Berra worked hard to gain his team a shorthanded goal around the fifty minute mark. With three goals in under three minutes, the home side made it clear that they were not about to be defeated and there was little the Stars could do, other than see out the game with their lines very much in confusion due to the loss of some of their key players.

Speaking to NIHL Northern Trio, influential Star Chris Sykes shared his thoughts: “We played well first period and second. We were in the game the whole way and we had chances to go in front and we defended well. A few injuries happened in the second, beginning of the third, period and we started to run two lines and three to four ‘D’ men. It was tough. We had a five minute lapse in concentration and gave up three quick goals, and it got away from us. We couldn’t get back into it after that. The big ice helps them more than us and we prefer the smaller ice.” Sitting in sixth place, Billingham will now enjoy their Christmas break before hosting the Solihull Barons at The Forum on the 3^rd January 2016.

Honours even at Hillheads as Warriors take point

Whitley Warriors   4

Blackburn Hawks 4

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With one of the most highly anticipated clashes overshadowing Whitley Warriors’ encounter with Blackburn Hawks, it was little surprise that on-ice leader Andre Payette dropped the gloves with Reece Cairney-Witter just four seconds after the first face off. A very even fight playing out, Payette eventually pulled Cairney-Witter to the ice and normal game play resumed as the pair served 2+2 roughing penalties.

In the opening stages of the game, the Hawks had the better share of possession and it showed as they took the lead through Lee Pollitt with less than four minutes played, following some strong offensive play from captain Chris Arnone and skilful import RJ Berra. As Whitley struggled to find a foothold in the game, with Callum Watson, Stu Tomlinson, Ben Richards, Craig Johnson and Alex Lawson all missing from the side, Blackburn’s Cairney-Witter conceded a further penalty with less than ten minutes played and the Warriors found themselves on the power play. 

Though unable to find a way past netminder Daniel Brittle with the one man advantage, Whitley gained enough momentum to see them through on goal over two and a half minutes after the power play had ended when Dean Holland ensured an outstanding unassisted effort lit the lamp on 13:38. Just ten seconds later, Josh Maddock clashed with Finnish import Kim Miettinen, both players earning themselves two minutes in the sin bin for roughing and interference respectively.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Both teams returned to full strength but, try as they might, neither could find the back of the net and, as the opportunities of the first period died away, Blackburn were soon shorthanded again, this time Arnone receiving two minutes for slashing and defenceman Andy Dunn incurring a ten minute misconduct penalty just five seconds before the first intermission.

Returning for the middle stanza, the Warriors were out to get a power play goal to take the lead but, failing to make their efforts count, the side were punished over six minutes later when Hawks, restored to five men, were able to slot the puck past Richie Lawson, Aaron Davies with his second goal of the weekend, courtesy of a Matt Viney assist. Hampered by penalty trouble soon after, Warrior Jamie Tinsley made way for a slashing offence and, though Whitley successfully ran down the clock, Martin Crammond conceded a minor for hooking just fourteen seconds after the home side had returned to full strength. This allowed the Hawks to trouble Whitley’s defence further, Arnone eventually setting up Pollitt to give Blackburn a two goal cushion.

Cycling the puck, the Warriors began to plough their efforts into offensive play and it was with character that Holland achieved his second of the evening; a swift pass from Payette in Whitley’s defensive zone caught out Hawks’ defence and the forward wasted no time in reducing the deficit to a single goal.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

With the points all to play for in the third period, player-coach David Longstaff was determined to improve on some of the uneventful play in the second period, setting the standard high with a goal of his own, Crammond and Callum Queenan working hard on the same line to give the Warriors’ a fighting chance. Buoyed by this goal, the Warriors began to pressure Daniel Brittle further and, though the Hawks also had their fair share of chances, it was the Warriors who took the lead, Holland linking up with Crammond to support Shaun Kippin who hit home to stun the Hawks.

With less than five minutes of the game left, the Warriors sought to defend their lead, Lawson making some fantastic saves to keep the Hillheads outfit ahead of their title rivals. The Hawks, however, were not about to settle for zero points and, with just forty seconds left, Adam Brittle played the puck to Richard Bentham who snatched an all-important equaliser for his side. The Warriors under pressure, Longstaff called a timeout and, just thirty six seconds later, Hawks made the same decision, both sides hoping to take at least one point away with them in the late stages of the game. Little left of game play, the Warriors and the Hawks battled until their time ran out, the final buzzer confirming a fair 4-4 draw.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Speaking after the game, Longstaff told NIHL Northern Trio: “My players were devastated at the end but every one of them should be so proud of what they’ve achieved so far this season after being so close to relegation. They give everything they’ve got every night and nobody can ask for more than that. I’m not positive about (Warriors reclaiming top spot). Blackburn haven’t really been troubled by the other team and, with their games in hand, they’ll get ahead of us quite easily.”

Set to enjoy a Christmas break, the Warriors will not return to action until Sunday 10^th January 2016, playing their fourth and final consecutive game against Blackburn Hawks in the hope that they can seize the top spot once again. 

For more photos from IceHockeyMedia, please visit: http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/.

NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 MORALEE CONFERENCE

Saturday 19th December 2015

Blackburn Hawks vs. Billingham Stars

Sunday 20th December 2015

Whitley Warriors vs. Blackburn Hawks

As last weekend saw the cancellation of Solway Sharks’ game against Sutton Sting, and Billingham Stars took a short break from their league campaign, it was Whitley Warriors’ top of the table clash with Blackburn Hawks that took centre stage last weekend, and it is set to do so again on Sunday as fans look forward to one of the most anticipated games in the National Ice Hockey League, the two teams encountering each other for a third consecutive week.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Before travelling to Hillheads however, Daniel MacKriel’s Hawks will play host to fifth placed Billingham Stars who have so far won seven, lost seven and drawn one. Unpredictable competition at the moment, the Stars will look to give the game their best as they hunt down two points in a bid to climb within touching distance of a playoff spot. Though Hawks recently endured a draw against Sutton Sting and suffered defeat to Whitley Warriors, Blackburn continue to dominate in the Moralee Conference. Forwards Adam Brittle, RJ Berra and Richard Bentham are relentless in front of goal at the moment whilst captain Chris Arnone offers strong leadership qualities out on the ice and Daniel Brittle remains one of the strongest netminders ever to play in the NIHL.

To counteract this, Billingham have Dennis Boström in their ranks, the Swedish import currently the Teesiders’ top goal scorer, having netted on an impressive seventeen occasions to match that of Solihull Barons’ Thomas Soar. It is this energy going forward that is required of Stars on Saturday if they are to stand any chance of defeating the Hawks, and no player contributes more to the team’s dynamism than player-assistant coach Michael Bowman who has tallied fifteen assists so far for his side, but has yet to achieve his first league goal of the season.  Hoping that he can light the lamp in Stars’ encounter with the Hawks, Bowman will look to have a significant impact on Billingham’s offensive play, once again teaming up with line mates Boström, Chris Sykes and Thomas Keeley to put Blackburn’s shot stopper, Daniel Brittle, under pressure from the first face off.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Whichever approach Billingham take however, one thing remains certain: Hawks’ flawless organisation, endurance and skill is set to test the Teesiders on Saturday as the Lancashire outfit embark on yet another four point weekend which could see MacKriel’s side reclaim the NIHL’s top spot from Whitley Warriors now that the two are separated by just a single point. Meanwhile, a victory for Billingham will provide a massive confidence boost to their league campaign going into the New Year, particularly as the side have yet to defeat any of the top four teams this season, losing twice to both the Barons and the Tigers, drawing with Whitley Warriors on away ice before suffering a home loss to their local rivals, and also conceding defeat to the Hawks in their opening game of the season.

Crucially, this game will influence the league standings ahead of Blackburn’s trip to Hillheads on Sunday where they will encounter David Longstaff’s defiant Whitley Warriors who narrowly missed out on a draw against the Hawks last weekend, having made a significant comeback at the Blackburn Ice Arena. At present, the Warriors sit top of the NIHL league table with twenty six points whereas MacKriel’s line up are situated in second place, just one victory away from resuming their former league position. Should Blackburn take four points this weekend, the Hawks will have twenty nine points with two games in hand; two losses, on the other hand, will still leave the side hot on the heels of Whitley, falling three points adrift at worst.

Over the course of Warriors’ contests with the Hawks, their most valuable player is none other than David Longstaff, the player-coach achieving a hat trick against Blackburn two weeks ago and inspiring his side to a near-successful comeback last Sunday with a goal in the third period. Notably, forwards Callum Watson, DJ Good and captain Jamie Tinsley have also shown their resilience in recent games, each breaking down Blackburn’s defence to find a way past Brittle.  

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Speaking about last Sunday’s game, Longstaff admitted that penalties proved costly for his team, Blackburn capitalising twice on the power play and snatching another just seconds after the Warriors had returned to full strength. In previous games, Whitley’s penalty kills have been largely successful and the Warriors will be aware that they need to return to their strong defence of power plays if they are to challenge Blackburn on Sunday. Besides goal scoring action from both teams, entertainment is also provided by the ever-intensifying feud between enforcer Andre Payette and troublemaker Reece Cairney-Witter. The two made their feelings quite clear in a heated exchange during a warm up at Hillheads on the 6^th December and have since went toe-to-toe, Payette throwing Cairney-Witter to the ground when a punch failed to connect with its target. Dissatisfied with this turn of events, Payette has taken to social media to voice his disapproval of Hawks’ latest signing. As the conflict between the two players continues to grow, a sequel of last weekend’s events looks set to precede standard gameplay but, whether or not the enforcer will be allowed by his coach to go ahead with this, remains to be seen. 

The Warriors know they must play at their very best on all areas of the ice to contend with the dominant Hawks. As a result, Payette, being a valued member of Whitley’s leadership team as home alternate captain, is far too influential to be lost to the sin bin in the early stages of the game. With both teams having played and won on home ice, the Warriors require nothing less than a victory to remain shoulder to shoulder with MacKriel’s Hawks in the league standings.

For fans hoping to catch a captivating clash ahead of Christmas, Billingham Stars face off against the Hawks at Blackburn Ice Arena from 5:45pm whilst Whitley Warriors’ top of the table contest with the side is set to begin at 5:00pm, with large crowds expected.  

For more photos from IceHockeyMedia, please visit: http://www.icehockeymedia.co.uk/.