NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 MORALEE CONFERENCE

Saturday 27th February 2016

Telford Tigers vs. Billingham Stars

Solway Sharks vs. Solihull Barons

Sunday 28th  February 2016

Whitley Warriors vs. Solihull Barons

Billingham Stars vs. Sheffield Spartans

Subsequent to the unexpected twists and turns of last weekend, more are surely set to follow as our NIHL Northern Trio prepare to face another tough schedule, with both Solway Sharks and Billingham Stars still fighting for a playoff place.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Set to make the long trip down to Telford Ice Rink on Saturday, Billingham Stars will be eager to recover from last week’s zero point weekend with a win over the fourth placed Tigers. Back-to-back defeats to Solway Sharks and Sutton Sting saw the Stars struggle to hide their disappointment as they failed to take a single point from a possible four, making the side’s quest for a playoff spot increasingly difficult, though not impossible. With Stars’ forward Dennis Boström accumulating twenty four goals and eleven assists in twenty four games, the Swedish import is by far Billingham’s strongest player but, unable to print his name on the score sheet last weekend, the Teesiders will require their top points scorer to be back to his goal scoring best once again to facilitate success for the Stars this weekend. From the twenty four games the Stars have played to date, Boström has scored in fourteen of those fixtures, in nine of which Billingham went on to claim a victory. With most teams contending for every single point, it is crucial that Billingham leave with a win from this game to prevent the Tigers from further adding to the distance between themselves and the Stars.

Having performed to such a high standard this season, the recently promoted Shropshire outfit will be fierce contenders as the Tigers look to secure their current league place with aspirations of a playoff semi-final in April.  Also going into this game on the back of defeat, the Tigers will be hoping to bounce back with the help of their strong forwards. Already, Karol Jets, Callum Bowley and Adam Taylor have contributed massively to the side’s success with one hundred and fourteen player points between them and, whilst prospect James Smith has been unavailable in recent games, Telford continue to display a great deal of quality out on the ice each week to compete with the NIHL’s finest. With close competitors Solway Sharks, Sutton Sting and Sheffield Spartans also hot on the heels of both Billingham and Telford, the importance of this game is enhanced further; the smallest slip up likely to have a huge impact on league standings.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Taking the time to talk to NIHL Northern Trio, Star Chris Sykes had the following to say: “On Saturday we have Telford away and it’s a team which has surprised a few. They’ve beaten us both times we’ve played them this year by a single goal and they have been good games. They have a few good players and, from what I remember, the goalie stood on his head last time we played. We are going to take a hard hitting game to them and hopefully go a few goals up early on and build on that.” 

Also taking place on Saturday, Solway Sharks prepare for a home clash against Solihull Barons as the Dumfries outfit look to employ the momentum gained against Billingham Stars last Saturday to build up another good run of form now that the season is entering its home stretch.

In recent games, the Sharks have pulled together to keep their playoff hopes alive, Slovakian imports Juraj Senko and Martin Cingel working with local talent to propel the side onwards and upwards in the league table. Moving from seventh place to sixth last weekend, Solway’s progress continues to be gradual but, with two double points games in March and several games in hand, the side have this slight advantage over their opposition.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Preparing to host Solihull Barons on Saturday, the Sharks will recognise that the team pose a threat to the side’s playoff hopes with player-coach Perry Doyle likely to utilise his might this weekend in complementation of skilled forwards Thomas Soar, Niklas Ottosson and Josh Bruce. Whilst the Barons appear strong in front of goal, Doyle’s team is one of fortitude, resilience and determination, qualities which are somewhat reflected in the number of penalty minutes accumulated by the side this season. Five hundred and seventy one minutes of ice time expended in the sin bin by the Barons since September, Solihull have paid a heavy price for their lack of discipline in certain games, amassing ninety nine minutes alone when they played Solway three weeks ago. With the last-minute fracas still fresh in everyone’s minds, it may be that events take a similar turn but, with so much at stake, neither side can afford to lose valuable players to the sin bin, particularly if the punishment entails a ban.

Sharing his views ahead of Saturday’s game, coach Martin Grubb noted: “This weekend we will face another huge game against Solihull Barons. It is another team who are above us and a team we need to be looking to take the points from in our quest for the playoffs. We have played Solihull three times before and the home team has won every game. We hope that this trend will continue. Perry has his team playing well and has improved their overall play at both ends of the ice so we know we will have to battle and be at our best to win the game. Last Saturday was a big game and we showed that we have the stomach for a fight and the patience to stay in tight games and get the win, and I see this game as being similar to last weekend. We will need to stay patient and disciplined and take our chances when they come along. The boys are confident and we know that every game is an important one now. We can’t afford any poor games so we will be ready to play and get the important result. It will be a strange one for me as I will be in Colorado at the Stadium Series game between Detroit and Colorado but I will be keeping up with the game and a Wings and Sharks double will be a perfect weekend.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

As well as an encounter with Solway Sharks, Solihull Barons will also make the trip to Hillheads this weekend as Whitley Warriors brace themselves for the return of the strong contenders who make life difficult for their opposition. With Whitley in second place and the Barons in third, thirteen points currently separate the two teams but, in their aim for a playoff place, Solihull will not give up the points easily. Though losing twice to the Warriors back in September, Doyle’s teammates made it far from a comfortable affair when they last played at Hillheads. Winning only by two goals to one, David Longstaff’s men took the lead in the fourth minute of play before the Barons equalised on 17:48. A goal at the half way point of the game for long-serving Warrior Callum Watson was enough to secure a win for Whitley but the closely contested game was not without its difficulties for the hosts.

Going into this game on the back of eight consecutive victories, the Warriors do have better form than the Barons in recent fixtures, though Solihull have not lost in their last four games. Form will of course be cast aside on Sunday as the sides go head to head, the close competition in the league at present a reminder that no point is guaranteed. Overshadowing the clash is the reunion of Doyle and Whitley enforcer Andre Payette who fought at Hobs Moat Road earlier this season. Whilst the fight was not necessarily the great battle that most thought it would be, it was certainly highly anticipated and all eyes will be watching closely on Sunday to see if a rematch materialises.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Away from the sin bin, David Longstaff continues to produce goals and assist the offensive opportunities of his teammates, thereby remaining the Warriors’ strongest player this campaign with forty two points in twenty five games. As Longstaff coached from the bench last weekend, ten goals against the Senators highlighted that Whitley do have other offensive options; Callum Watson found himself on the score sheet twice last weekend whilst DJ Good, Shaun Kippin and blue liner Harry Harley have also racked up the points in recent games, and all four were on the score sheet in Whitley’s 9-1 win over Telford Tigers mid-January. Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, David Longstaff told NIHL Northern that the Warriors fixture against the Barons would be: “a very difficult game but a chance to really push second place and play a team we’re probably going to play in the playoffs semi-final. We’ll be looking at different lines to see what works against them.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Last to take to the ice on Sunday are Billingham Stars, the Teesiders hosting Martin White’s Sheffield Spartans at The Forum. With the Yorkshire outfit now second from bottom following the Spartans’ recent bad form, and the improved form of Sutton Sting and Solway Sharks, the Sheffield side have a relegation battle to contend with at the foot of the table as the Stars aim for the heights of the NIHL. Depending on Billingham’s result against Telford Tigers on Saturday, the home side could find themselves on twenty seven points on Sunday evening to creep ahead of Jason Parry’s team and into that fourth, much-coveted playoff spot. Subsequent to their 10-2 loss to Sutton Sting four weeks ago, the Spartans failed to recover against Whitley Warriors, though the side were able to stay in the game right to the very end, eventually conceding a 2-1 defeat to the Hillheads outfit. Whilst forward Nicholas Manning, captain Ollie Barron and player-assistant coach Stuart Brittle remain to be the Spartans’ top points scorers, amassing ninety points collectively, the Stars also have several standout players, Chris Sykes, Michael Elder and James Moss amongst them. So far, Billingham have won two games out of a possible three against the Spartans, triumphing 4-0 over the side in their second game of the season. However, the Stars also lost 6-4 to the Sheffield side in October and an upset could easily be on the cards again this weekend now that league places in the NIHL have become so closely contested.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Displaying their unpredictability of late, the Spartans will ice with the aim of taking two points from the game and, should they do so, they could go level with Sutton Sting, Solway Sharks and even Billingham depending on this weekend’s results. Sykes added: “On Sunday we have a massive night in Billingham which is the ‘Swedish Night’ and it would be great to see the rink packed to the rafters to make The Forum rock! We are up for the game and we know we can beat the Spartans. They bring a lot and they are fighting to stay out of the relegation playoffs so they’ll be ready but hopefully we play to the occasion and win the game. I’d like a four point weekend; that’s what we want but last weekend went pear-shaped so hopefully this one will be better.”

Also releasing information about an imminent venture, Sykes revealed his plans to broadcast Q and A sessions via his personal YouTube channel with the help of some special guests. To subscribe, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6mmqkwaWU-ddtpnnWcjYFw.

For those fans hoping to make any of these fixtures over the weekend, Billingham Stars travel to Telford Ice Rink for a 5:30pm encounter with the Tigers whilst Solway Sharks face off against Solihull Barons from 7:00pm at the Dumfries Ice Bowl. On Sunday, Whitley Warriors host the Barons from 5:00pm and the Stars ice on ‘Swedish Night’ from 6:30pm as the Spartans visit Teesside.

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

NIHL Weekend Action

Sharks score four to steal Stars’ sparkle

Solway Sharks      4

Billingham Stars   2

As Dumfries Ice Bowl became venue to a must-win battle between Solway Sharks and Billingham Stars on Saturday, both teams took to the ice with the knowledge that victory would be crucial in their quest for a playoff spot; a win for the Sharks taking the side level on points with Terry Ward’s Teesiders whereas success for the Stars would pile the pressure onto fourth placed Telford Tigers.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia – Ian Hanlon

Travelling with thirteen skaters and icing Mark Watson between the pipes in James Flavell’s absence, it was the Stars who got off to the better start. Callum Davies quickly involved himself in play to light the lamp for the visitors with an assist from Michael Elder on twenty nine seconds. The tables were soon turned however, as Solway were awarded the first power play of the game, Stars’ youngster Will Robson conceding a minor for interference. Unable to capitalise at first, Solway were handed a second successive opportunity as Robson was replaced in the sin bin by player-assistant coach Richie Thornton, the defenceman guilty of a cross check. Just seven seconds into the power play, the puck was again in the back of the net, this time the home side with a goal to equalise as Solway’s alternate captain Juraj Senko found himself in on Watson’s net courtesy of neat passing play between experienced right winger Iain Bowie and rising prospect Duncan Speirs. No sooner were Solway’s celebrations over than Michael Corbett’s dash for the puck along the boards saw the forward twist his knee and subsequently collide with Thornton, an injury which prompted swift medical attention.

As the Sharks continued to force saves from Watson, Billingham became increasingly frustrated by an icing decision that did not go their way, Luke Brown inviting a two minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct on 10:39. Facing off in the Stars’ defensive zone once again, Solway sought a second goal to take the lead and soon found it, build up play between Senko and the skilful Steven Moore allowing forward Joe Coulter to zip a shot past Watson. The final stages of the period unfolding, another call against the Stars gave the home side their fourth consecutive power play, this time Brown ordered back to the sin bin to serve a slashing penalty.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Going in at the interval with a 2-1 lead, Solway returned to the ice with twenty one seconds of their power play remaining but the Stars were shown some reprieve as they returned to full strength without the home side having extended their lead further. The two teams engaging in a battle for the next goal, forwards James Moss, Michael Elder and Swedish import Dennis Boström were amongst those hunting down an equaliser for Billingham as the Sharks made several attempts to extend their lead.

An interference penalty conceded by Shark Martin Cingel approximately six minutes into the period saw the home side reduced to four men for the first time in the game but, try as they might, the Stars could not put the puck past netminder Kieran Hobbins who dealt with every shot that was thrown at him. With neither team able to find a way through, the turning point in the period arose when Solway’s junior Daniel Abercrombie found himself sin binned for a high sticking offence on blue liner Jamie Pattison. Almost a minute later, officials made the game a level playing field as Star Callum Davies joined him in the box for holding. Feeling that Senko had gone unpunished for a similar misdemeanour just moments before, Billingham’s sense of injustice spurred on Moss who took the opportunity to draw level with a superb unassisted effort, slotting his shot beyond Hobbins before the break to make it 2-2.

The final instalment of the game fast upon the two teams, the points were still very much all to play for and, whilst the Sharks surely felt that they had thrown away their lead, Ward’s men had victory within their sights once more. With Billingham’s holding penalty over in the early stages, a contest arose as the rivals battled for the puck, Solway outshooting the Stars but finding it difficult to break down the visitors. With perseverance, the Sharks were able to take the lead for a second time in the game, this time Cingel stretching the twine on 48:20 when captain Struan Tonnar threaded Coulter’s pass to the Slovakian forward.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Shortly afterwards, a holding penalty from Thornton reduced the visitors to four men but Solway soon followed suit, Steven Balmer punished for hooking. Though Billingham returned to full strength ahead of the Dumfries outfit, the Sharks had only been restored to five men for one second when Bowie broke away from Solway’s defensive zone to triumph in a one-on-one situation with Watson, making it 4-2 in the process.  

Less than a minute later, Solway’s defenceman James Wallace conceded a two minute penalty for delaying the game, thereby presenting the Stars with a power play opportunity. Unable to make their additional skater count, Billingham continued to pursue a goal in the final stages of the game but it wasn’t to be. As the final buzzer sounded, the Sharks were relieved to have secured a victory ahead of their tough road trip to Lancashire, Hobbins picking up the Man of the Match award for the home side whilst Moss received the same accolade for the Stars. 

Reflecting on the game, Martin Grubb told NIHL Northern Trio: “It was a huge win on Saturday against a big rival for the playoffs and we all said it was all about the result rather than the performance. That said, I thought we played well in spells and created lots of chances. We need to take our chances and be more prolific in front of the net when we are outshooting teams. We were a little slack at times defensively but Kieran [Hobbins] made big saves at key times in the game. We stayed patient and got the job done in the end and I was delighted with the boys.”

M6 hold up halts Sharks’ road game against Hawks

Following an incident on the M6, Solway Sharks were unable to complete their trip to Blackburn Ice Arena on Sunday, having moved just 3.1 miles in the space of four hours. This fixture has since been rescheduled for Sunday 20^th March. It has also been confirmed that the Dumfries outfit will play for double points against Telford Tigers and Sutton Sting next month.

 Commenting on the delay, Martin Grubb said: “Sunday was strange as we were heading to Blackburn before being stuck for six hours in traffic. It was frustrating for everyone but I spoke to Danny MacKriel a few times from the bus and he was great as everyone’s safety was the most important thing. We have rescheduled that game and look forward to it.”

Warriors take ten against Sens

Whitley Warriors   10

Sheffield Senators  1

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Having cemented their place in the playoffs last weekend, Whitley Warriors took to the ice against Sheffield Senators with David Longstaff watching on from the bench, the player-coach making it clear prior to the game that he did not intend to play as he searched for his strongest penalty kill and power play options ahead of the tournament. Unavailable to ice through injury, Alex Lawson, Callum Queenan and Stu Tomlinson missed out whilst first choice netminder Richie Lawson spectated from the side lines as backup netminder Mark Turnbull was given a start in goal.  Meanwhile, the Senators travelled with ten skaters and two netminders, Alex Harding, Jack Dransfield and alternate captain Arran Bell amongst the absentees.

Though short benched, the Senators started the game well and complacency from the Warriors’ defence saw the puck make it past Turnbull with just forty eight seconds played, captain Nathan Parkes-Britton slotting his shot home following quick build up play from blue liner Lewis Jones and the side’s second highest points scorer, Thomas Humphries. Shocked by this early deficit, the Warriors battled for possession of the puck, gradually creeping into their own offensive zone. With time ticking away and still no equaliser, a great pass from youngster Liam Smedley found sturdy defenceman Dan Pye on the wing. Manoeuvring through the Senators’ defence with ease, Pye’s strength shone through, the ‘D’ man achieving his second goal of the season.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Less than a minute later, a roughing call on Dean Holland was made by referee David Emmerson but, the Senators failing to take advantage, Whitley killed time without conceding and normal play resumed. Continuing to move the puck around the Senators’ defensive zone, Whitley struck gold when Holland fired a sublime shot into the back of Robert Browne’s net, Pye turning assist on this occasion to allow the Warriors to head in at the break with a narrow 2-1 lead.

Taking to the ice for the second period, the Warriors were immediately placed under the pressure of a power play when Alan Yarrow was sent to the sin bin just twelve seconds in for a slashing offence. The Senators’ advantage imperceptible as Whitley dominated possession, a pass from forward Ben Richards found long-serving Warrior Callum Watson and the puck was rapidly dispatched into the back of Browne’s net as the balance of control shifted. Having returned to full strength, Longstaff’s line up found themselves shorthanded again thirteen seconds later when Yarrow, failing to learn from his previous mistake, was sent back to the box for slashing.

Propelled up and over the Senators by blue liner Harry Harley, the puck fell kindly to power forward Jordan Barnes who beat Browne to give his team a boost. For a third consecutive time, the Warriors had not yet been restored to five men for a full minute when they were again punished for their lack of discipline, this time Shaun Kippin guilty of charging. However, as before, the disadvantage paid off for Whitley, Joe Stamp setting up Holland who was able to grab his second of the game with twenty five minutes played.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Soon after, it was little surprise when the troublesome Paul Lofthouse was made to serve two minutes for a crosscheck. Whilst Whitley were unable to capitalise on this occasion, a return to five on five ice hockey allowed the side to light the lamp for a sixth time, Richards the man on target following a great pass from Andre Payette who had ploughed forward to leave the Senators standing. Less than two minutes later, captain Jamie Tinsley added an effort of his own to the score sheet, defencemen Harley and Smedley on hand with assists.

The score line 7-1 ahead of the second intermission, the short benched Senators returned with much work to do and the knowledge that there was little chance of a recovery. An interference penalty against Whitley in the previous period saw Payette start the third in the sin bin. Approximately four minutes later, Holland claimed his hat trick with a phenomenal unassisted attempt which was one too many for Browne, the netminder having encountered forty four shots on goal in the second period alone. Simultaneous slashing penalties for Watson and Lofthouse saw four on four ice hockey play out but neither team could add to their tally. Matters were soon made worse for the home side who returned to full strength for all of a minute before Yarrow again found himself on the wrong side of the plexi, receiving two minutes for roughing and five minutes plus game for spearing. Phil Pritchard serving the penalty in Yarrow’s absence, the Senators found themselves on a seven minute power play but, as Whitley continued to dominate, the visitors’ advantage did not show and the Warriors began to pile on the pressure in Sheffield’s defensive zone, eventually forcing Joe Cross to hit the puck out of play, the youngster incurring two minutes for delaying the game.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Whilst Whitley again made hard work of the power play, the side managed to extend their lead to nine goals to one with less than two minutes left to play, Watson with his second of the game following a tidy pass from man of the moment, Holland. Ensuring that those fans crying out for ten were not to be disappointed, Harley struck a blue line shot against the netting on 59:12 courtesy of an assist from Barnes. The buzzer sounding to conclude the game at 10-1, David Longstaff shared his thoughts with NIHL Northern Trio: “Tonight was a good chance to get everyone ice time and was important to see which players play well with each other before the playoffs.”

The Warriors now look ahead to their next fixture which will be a tough home clash against Solihull Barons who currently sit in third place as they fight to hold onto their playoff spot.

Sting earn stripes as Sutton stuns Stars

Billingham Stars  1

Sutton Sting         3

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

It was a home game that carried a great deal of importance for Billingham Stars, as the Teesiders sought to make amends for an away loss to Solway Sharks on Saturday with a win against Sutton Sting. Netminder James Flavell making his return to the side, Andy Finn and Billy Nicholson were also included in Terry Ward’s line up whilst Matt Darlow’s Sting were also out in full force with incredible shot stopper Dmitri Zimozdra starting in net for the South Yorkshire outfit.

The Sting taking to recent games with a renewed sense of determination, the side quite literally made an immediate impact against the Stars as Latvian import Vjaceslavs Movko sustained a boarding penalty on 6:15, Michael Elder’s retaliation coincidentally earning the forward two minutes for roughing. 

Despite several offensive efforts, neither side could make a breakthrough in front of goal and, having returned to five men just minutes earlier, it was Billingham who again prompted a call from referee David Farren as alternate captain Andy Munroe was made to serve two minutes for interference.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Failing to create a goal, the Sting found themselves reduced to four men just seventeen seconds into their power play, Jon Woolhouse sin binned for tripping. Notwithstanding this setback, Sutton continued on the offensive and were soon rewarded when Sergevs Jegorovs linked up with EPL experienced forward James Spurr to send reliable defenceman Ryan Johnson in on goal. With Munroe let loose seconds ahead of Woolhouse, the home side gained a small power play which turned out to be no advantage at all as Movko netted a shorthanded, unassisted effort on 16:43. With thirteen shots on Flavell’s net in comparison to the eleven on Zimozdra’s, there appeared to be little between the two sides, the Sting showing a slight edge over their opponents, having made their chances count. 

Taking to the ice in the middle stanza, Billingham were aware that they needed to act fast to get themselves back in the game. The Stars were somewhat hindered in their attempts to find a goal as Jamie Pattison conceded an interference penalty approximately four minutes into the period. Soon after, a serious cross check from Sutton’s James Goodman earned the blue liner five minutes plus game whilst Star Chris Sykes received a minor for roughing following his response to the defenceman’s actions. The resulting, lengthy power play for the home side saw player-assistant coach Richie Thornton play the puck to Pattison, the long-serving blue liner finding Elder who buried the puck beyond Zimozdra’s reach.

Billingham finding it difficult to equalise in the moments that followed, the Stars’ offensive ambitions were soon inhibited by a minor boarding penalty on Munroe. The blue liner served his two minutes, only for Thornton to immediately take his place in the sin bin, Farren calling a second successive boarding penalty against Ward’s men before the period met its conclusion.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

The points still within Billingham’s reach going into the third period, the Stars took to the ice aiming to draw level. With Thornton, Elder and Moss all coming close to finding their names on the score sheet, a power play opportunity arose when Johnson was temporarily side lined for holding in the forty sixth minute of the game. Unable to fire the puck past Zimozdra on the power play, the Stars bombarding the netminder to no avail, Billingham watched as Jegorovs took a seat in the sin bin for hooking on 55:13. Yet again, the Stars powered forward into Sutton’s defensive zone and were left incredulous as Zimozdra pulled off a save of exceptional quality to prevent the Teesiders from drawing level. Restored to five men, the Sting battled hard to defend their lead as Billingham made the decision to pull netminder Flavell for an additional skater, feeling that an equaliser was within touching distance. It was therefore an agonising twist of fate that saw the Stars’ aspirations of a draw dashed, John Ross playing the puck to Movko who ensured its dispatch into the empty net with just thirty one seconds remaining.

When asked to share his feelings on the game, Star Chris Sykes had but one word: “gutted”, summing up Billingham’s zero point weekend perfectly. With the Teesiders’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Stars will now look ahead to next weekend as they prepare to make the long trip down to Telford before a home encounter on Sunday against the eighth placed Sheffield Spartans. 

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

NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 MORALEE CONFERENCE

Saturday 20th February 2016

Solway Sharks vs. Billingham Stars

Sunday 21st  February 2016

Whitley Warriors vs. Sheffield Senators

Blackburn Hawks vs. Solway Sharks

Billingham Stars vs. Sutton Sting

Following last weekend’s short fixture list, this Saturday and Sunday are set to be action-packed by comparison, with crucial double headers for both Solway Sharks and Billingham Stars. With the NIHL so closely contested at present, and with very little separating one team from another, a single point has the potential to alter league standings and the fortunes of those still competing for playoff spots.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

The most significant game taking place this weekend is indeed the fixture between Solway Sharks and Billingham Stars, the two teams having just played each other last Saturday in an NIHL North Cup contest. As Sutton Sting switched spots with Sheffield Spartans last weekend to move ahead of the Dumfries outfit, the Sharks remain in seventh place with six games in hand on the former, and seven games in hand on the latter. Tied on twenty one points with both the Sting and the Spartans, Solway must win against the Teesiders in order to claim sixth place and go level on points with close rivals Billingham Stars. This outcome would make for an interesting few weeks as both the Stars and the Sharks set their sights on a much-desired top four finish. However, should Billingham claim victory on Saturday, Solway would suffer a great setback, remaining in seventh place whilst the Stars shoot up to twenty five points to put Jason Parry’s Telford Tigers under pressure once again.

So far, the Stars have triumphed over the Sharks, winning by five goals to three at the Dumfries Ice Bowl in September and repeating the same score line against the side on home ice in November. In Stars’ first game against Grubb’s line-up this campaign, alternate captain Callum Davies, Michael Elder and Scott Ward grabbed themselves a goal each whilst Chris Sykes hit the back of the net twice. Also dangerous in front of goal, James Moss has caused problems for the team in the past and, just last weekend, snatched a game-winning goal in overtime to rob the Sharks of their first win in the North Cup. Yet, four weeks ago Solway defeated the Stars on the road with a 7-4 win at The Forum and fought hard to ensure that they returned home with two points and a much-needed confidence boost. Import Martin Cingel is Solway’s top points scorer at present, with fourteen goals and ten assists, and the Sharks will be hoping that the Slovakian left winger is again at his best this weekend, though the side also require usual points scorers Iain Bowie, Steven Moore and Ross Murray to light the lamp if they are to shoot down the Stars this weekend.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Looking ahead, Star Chris Sykes took time to speak to NIHL Northern Trio: “This weekend is the biggest weekend of the season and we have to take four points to keep ourselves in touch with those all-important playoff spots. On Saturday we travel up to Solway which is a reverse fixture of Saturday just gone. Hoping we can take that momentum into it, we can beat them in their own rink and take two points back to Teesside. It’s massive, we must have a win!” 

Likewise, Sharks’ Head Coach Martin Grubb also imparted his views as he considered the magnitude of Solway’s clash with the Stars: “This is a massive weekend for us, especially if we want to make the playoffs. Saturday may be our biggest game of the season so far as both teams are battling for a spot. We know each other very well and I think the game will be about who executes their game plan better and who can take the scoring chances that come their way. We know what to expect when Billingham come to town, as they play attacking hockey, so we need to be ready to play for the full sixty minutes and do whatever it takes to win as whoever loses may find it difficult to make that top four.”

Meanwhile, set to ice on Sunday, Whitley Warriors will play host to foot-of-the-table side Sheffield Senators who have yet to find a win this season. Should the Yorkshire outfit fail to tally a single point, they will not be the first team to do so; Manchester Minotaurs suffered relegation last season having lost all twenty four games and, in the English National League,  Bradford Bulldogs failed to find success, finishing on zero points in both 2001 and 2003.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

To date, the Warriors have faced the Senators twice, winning by six goals to one at Ice Sheffield in which the home side proved tricky opposition for Whitley. Though David Longstaff’s men took an early lead, the Senators kept their visitors at bay and managed to equalise on 43:25, prompting the Warriors to take action as the third period played out. An 11-1 home victory for the Hillheads outfit in November was a far more accurate representation of the deficits suffered by the Senators this season, their worst a 14-0 loss to Solway Sharks. Whilst the Senators still continue to hunt for their first win, Whitley are in search of two points to extend their tally further as they aim to continue their fantastic home run, having won eleven games and drawn twice at Whitley Bay Ice Rink this season.

Though the Senators have several goal scorers on their roster, the Sheffield outfit has struggled to achieve more than four goals per game this season. The Senators’ top three points scorers, Nathan Parkes-Britton, Thomas Humphries and Alexander Harding, have sixty seven points between them; by comparison, Whitley player-coach David Longstaff, forward DJ Good and youngster Callum Queenan have accumulated twenty five points more than that total. Whilst the Warriors will be without the injured Queenan once again, the side go into this game on the back of a 2-1 away win over the Senators’ sister club, Sheffield Spartans and the return of blue liner Andre Payette will boost Longstaff’s squad, Whitley having iced without seven players last weekend. Despite this, Longstaff and his team will be careful of complacency as the Senators give their all to acquire their first points of the season. Player-Coach David Longstaff told NIHL Northern Trio: “We have some of the players back and a strong enough team to win the game. Players will be getting a lot of ice time who don’t normally get a lot and we’ll try different power play and penalty kill options. Richie Lawson will be getting the week off and the two younger goalies will be getting some valuable time in goal.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

In the meantime, Solway Sharks will travel to Blackburn Ice Arena to encounter Daniel MacKriel’s Hawks on Sunday in what will be the side’s last trip to Lancashire this campaign. Having suffered a 5-1 road defeat to Blackburn and a 7-2 home loss, Solway stunned mid-January when they made their way back from a 3-2 deficit to record a victory over the Hawks. Whilst the reigning champions have dominated this season, Blackburn have shown moments of vulnerability. In November, MacKriel’s team drew with Sutton Sting before a loss to Whitley Warriors ended their eighteen month unbeaten run. Since then, the Hawks have also drawn with the Hillheads outfit and suffered losses to both Solway Sharks and Solihull Barons. As a result, Blackburn’s unassailability has been shaken in recent months to reveal that it is possible for most teams in the NIHL to conquer their opposition no matter who it may be.

Having lost import RJ Berra to the Elite League’s Edinburgh Capitals last week, it should be remembered that the Hawks remain an incredibly strong team with a great deal of skill, pace and power. Currently, Blackburn’s Adam Brittle is the NIHL’s most valuable player, having amassed twenty eight goals and an outstanding forty three assists whilst former Shark Richard Bentham is not far behind him. As a result, Solway have a great task on their hands as they take on the Hawks but it is not impossible for the Dumfries outfit to once again vanquish the reigning champions.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

According to Grubb, “Sunday is extremely tough as Blackburn are league leaders and a quality team but we have to go there, compete for every puck and look to get something from the game. We have managed to beat them at home this season and we need to take confidence from that, go there and do our jobs. If we stay focused and play solid, we will have a chance. There are some huge games for us to come and we need to find consistency and a desire to win that allows us to have the best chance possible to qualify and it has to start this weekend.”

Last to faceoff on Sunday will be Billingham Stars who will make the trip back from the Dumfries Ice Bowl to take on Matt Darlow’s Sutton Sting. Having played twenty seven games, the Sting are tied on twenty one points with Solway Sharks and Sheffield Spartans but the side climbed into sixth place last weekend, following improved form in recent games. Whilst Sutton have lost out in their last two fixtures, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Whitley Warriors and conceding seven unanswered goals to Blackburn Hawks, the side have won five of their last eight games, scoring thirty seven goals and conceding twenty four. With Dmitri Zimozdra in net, the Sting’s defence is often difficult to break down as captain Simon Offord, alternate captain Ryan Johnson and Latvian import Sergevs Jegorovs prove tough opposition; in their last eight games, the trio have contributed nine goals and sixteen assists.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

In contrast, Billingham’s last eight games consist of four wins and four losses in which the Stars have lit the lamp twenty seven times and conceded on thirty eight occasions. Included in these fixtures is an encounter between the Sting and the Stars in which visitors Billingham left emptyhanded following a 5-2 defeat to the South Yorkshire outfit. Like the Sting, the Stars have several offensive threats of their own including forwards James Moss, Michael Elder and Dennis Boström who have collectively contributed sixteen goals since the New Year.  Should Billingham triumph over Solway and Sutton this weekend, the Teesiders will move up to twenty seven points to either equal or surpass Telford Tigers’ tally, depending on the performance of Parry’s men when they face Solihull Barons on Sunday.

Recognising the importance of victory this weekend, Sykes added: “Sunday is back on home ice against Sutton. They hit some form over the last few games but then they lost to Blackburn, so hopefully we can get a nice home ice win and make the weekend a four point one. It’s a must. We know what we have to do and we know what we have to bring into both games. Doing everything we know we can and are capable of, we will get wins. It’s getting to the business end of the season and every game is a cup final as they say. We know it’s going to be tough but we are ready and we want these four points.”

For fans hoping to attend these games, Solway Sharks face off against Billingham Stars from 7:00pm on Saturday at the Dumfries Ice Bowl. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Whitley Warriors host Sheffield Senators at Hillheads from 5:00pm, the Sharks prepare to take on Blackburn Hawks from 5:45pm and the Stars return to The Forum for a 6:30pm encounter against Sutton Sting.

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