NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 MORALEE CONFERENCE

Saturday 29th October 2016

Blackburn Hawks vs. Billingham Stars

Solway Sharks vs. Whitley Warriors

Sunday 30th October 2016

Whitley Warriors vs. Blackburn Hawks

Billingham Stars vs. Solway Sharks

Following last weekend’s victories for Solway Sharks and Whitley Warriors, the two outfits will now contend with each other for the second time this season in a combined league and North Cup fixture on Saturday whilst Billingham Stars travel to Lancashire to face Blackburn Hawks. These fixtures will then be followed by a second consecutive home game against the Hawks for David Longstaff’s men on Sunday whilst the Sharks travel to Teesside for another cup clash with the Stars. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

First to ice on Saturday evening will be Billingham Stars who travel to Blackburn Ice Arena, aiming to recover rapidly from last weekend’s 8-2 NIHL North Cup defeat with a win in the competition. Losing forward James Moss to injury last Saturday, it is uncertain as to whether or not Ben Davison, Jack Davies and Michael Elder will take to the ice, having picked up knocks last Saturday, though the trio will no doubt hope to compete in the Stars’ double header this weekend. In their previous cup clash with the Hawks two weeks ago, Billingham claimed a regulation win on the road and should therefore make this trip with confidence, knowing that they have already defeated Blackburn on away ice. Whilst the Stars go into this fixture on the back of a heavy loss to North Cup leaders Solway Sharks, Blackburn must face this game following their 6-0 combined league and cup defeat to Whitley Warriors last Sunday, a result which appears to have induced the club’s decision to part company with Head Coach Matt Darlow. As a result, this game will be the Hawks’ first under the guidance of player-coach Steven Duncombe who will target maximum points against Terry Ward’s men; a win, whether it be in regulation or over time, would see Blackburn creep ahead of Billingham to move into second place of the North Cup standings whereas a Stars’ victory would allow the Teessiders to challenge Solway for top spot and provide a much-needed boost after last Saturday’s dip in form. Looking ahead to this fixture, Star Chris Sykes stated: “On Saturday we have another away trip to Blackburn for our second of three cup games in a row and we have Solway at home on Sunday. Firstly, the Hawks have had yet another change at the helm and players coming in so we have to take them as a new team. We go there with the same game plan as we had last time that saw us come away with a win and cup points.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Ian Hanlon

Meanwhile, Solway Sharks will prepare to host Whitley Warriors for the first time this campaign, the Dumfries outfit having claimed an emphatic 9-2 victory over David Longstaff’s men in Whitley’s opening game of the season; a win which contributed points towards the Sharks’ league and cup efforts. Looking to avenge this heavy home loss, the Warriors will intend to demonstrate the intensity, fortitude and power they have exhibited in recent games which include a cup win against Billingham Stars, a hard-fought league game against defending champions Blackburn Hawks and a combined league and cup fixture against Matt Darlow’s struggling outfit. Whilst Whitley naturally hope that these successes spell a change in form for the better, Solway will be hoping to maintain their present league and cup form, having so far recorded only one loss across all competitions; a 5-3 North Cup defeat to Blackburn Hawks in September. With the result of this game set to impact on league and cup position, a win for Martin Grubb’s team will further separate the side from the rest of the pack whereas maximum points for the Warriors could see Whitley move up into fifth place of the Moralee Conference whilst cup points would aid the team’s progression in the competition, if not see the side finally creep away from the foot of the North Cup table.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Contemplating Whitley’s visit to the Dumfries Ice Bowl on Saturday, Martin Grubb observed: “We go into a tough two-game weekend against two good teams and we will need to ensure we keep our recent good form up. Whitley will be full of confidence after recent results and Lobby [David Longstaff] has his team playing well so we will need to match their intensity and use our speed and skill.” Further to this, player-coach David Longstaff shared: “Saturday will be a very tough game. I’d love to go to Solway, who are by far the best team in the league, with a full team to see where we really are but unfortunately we don’t have that as we’ll only have two eighteen year old ‘D’ men, Smedley and Johnson, playing and hopefully another senior defenceman but all of our players are available for the home game on Sunday, except for Ben Richards.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Ian Hanlon

Subsequent to this game, the Warriors will travel back to Hillheads where they will face Blackburn Hawks for the third time in the space of three weeks. As Steven Duncombe takes charge of his first league game of the season, the home side can expect a great challenge as the defending champions aim to avenge last weekend’s unequivocal defeat with a victory of their own. So far, the Hawks have only managed a narrow 2-1 home win against Longstaff’s line-up, having lost twice to the side; first in a league game at home which ended in a 3-2 triumph for the Warriors and also in last weekend’s 6-0 combined league and cup encounter. Missing goal scorer Rick Bentham and tough guy Reece Cairney-Witter last Sunday, Duncombe will hope to have Blackburn’s full roster at his disposal as his side endeavour to move ahead of The Dragons who do not have a game this weekend. With last Sunday’s clash between Whitley and Blackburn becoming rather heated, particularly in the latter stages of the game, this fixture will definitely be one to watch as Duncombe faces former team mate Andre Payette once again, the two having engaged in a small scrap last weekend which resulted in twenty nine penalty minutes for the Warrior. As Whitley continue the revival of their season, a win is a must if they are to progress further in the Moralee Conference, having climbed away from the foot of the table last Sunday. Two points for the Warriors would see the side go ahead of the Hawks whereas victory for Blackburn would be welcomed by the Lancashire outfit at the end of a difficult week. Whatever the outcome though, this contest will be one to watch with both sides willing to battle to the last in order to triumph over their close league rivals.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Last but not least, Billingham Stars will host Solway Sharks as the two sides challenge each other for a third time in the cup competition. Whilst Billingham intend to wreak their revenge against the Dumfries outfit following their landslide defeat to the Sharks last Saturday, Solway will endeavour to cling onto pole position in the NIHL North Cup, having returned to the top of the table just last weekend. Besides this regulation win, Martin Grubb’s men were also successful in their comeback against the Teessiders at the end of last month, winning 6-5 in overtime to secure two points against Billingham. Whilst forward Chris Sykes opened the  scoring in the Stars’ previous meeting with the Sharks, it was Solway who managed to establish the upper hand as young prospect Daniel Abercrombie drew level to ignite some constructive offensive play from his team which ultimately lead to Solway’s dominance, particularly in the last two periods of this clash. With six points available to both the Sharks and the Teessiders in the NIHL North Cup this weekend, this game is a crucial one for both teams but perhaps even more so for the Stars who have lost three of their five cup fixtures so far in comparison to Solway’s single defeat to Blackburn Hawks. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Speaking ahead of this clash, Head Coach Martin Grubb told NIHL Northern Trio: “Sunday will be another tough game and Billingham will be looking to avenge last weekend’s result. We will need to start well and stay focused to ensure we play solid at both ends of the ice so we can give ourselves a chance to win. It won’t be an easy weekend but we will be looking for maximum points.” Meanwhile, Star Chris Sykes added: “On Sunday, we have Solway at home and we have some tightening up to do against them. They beat us last weekend at their rink and we had guys missing and injured. This week is no different. People are still injured but we have a couple of late fitness tests and we’re hoping the guys can play. We will see how they go but it’s at home and on our rink so we are playing for a full-point weekend in the cup; that’s our aim.”

For fans hoping to attend a game this weekend, Billingham Stars travel to Lancashire for a 5:45pm cup clash with Blackburn Hawks whilst Solway Sharks faceoff at 7:00pm against Whitley Warriors on Saturday. These fixtures will be followed by Whitley Warriors’ 5:00pm home encounter with Blackburn Hawks on Sunday as Billingham Stars play host to Solway Sharks from 6:30pm.

NIHL Radio Weekend Listings

Saturday 29th October

5:45pm on NIHL Radio 1

Blackburn Hawks vs. Billingham Stars

Sunday 30th October

5:00pm on NIHL Radio 1

Whitley Warriors vs. Blackburn Hawks

6:30pm on NIHL Radio 2

Billingham Stars vs. Solway Sharks

Click on the link to listen: http://tunein.com/.

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

NIHL Weekend Action

Shark attack shocks Stars as Solway triumph in North Cup

Solway Sharks     8

Billingham Stars  2

With every point closely contested by these two outfits in the past, both teams faced off with strong rosters, each icing an ex-EPL player in Shark James Hutchinson and Star Jack Watkins, as well as their two imports. Playing first choice shot stopper Kieran Hobbins between the pipes, Solway Sharks found themselves up against backup netminder Mark Watson who was again selected to start for Billingham in the side’s cup encounter. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Going into this game with a great deal of momentum from last weekend’s victories over Blackburn Hawks and Telford Tigers, it was the Stars who got off to the better start in the opening minutes to take the lead against Solway on 6:02, Chris Sykes lighting the lamp following build up play from player-coach Michael Bowman and Michael Elder. Working hard to recover from this early concession, Solway then equalised four minutes later as youngster Daniel Abercrombie set his team back on the right track courtesy of forward Connor Henderson and skilful left winger Steven Moore. Shortly afterwards, Solway’s Finnish import Kim Miettinen incurred a two minute boarding penalty to hand Billingham a power play but the Stars’ failure to capitalise would be one they would regret as the Sharks returned to full strength, only for captain Struan Tonnar to find himself on the scoresheet with support from two-way player Ben Edmonds and hardworking forward Marc Fowley. The score line 2-1, matters were made worse when the Stars found themselves on the penalty kill as captain Richie Thornton headed to the sin bin to serve two minutes for hooking. Try as they might, Solway failed to grab a third before the break as Billingham’s defence remained strong under pressure. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Restored to five men with nineteen seconds of the middle stanza played, the Stars were eager to battle for an equaliser but Martin Grubb’s side managed to control the puck beyond their power play and eventually slotted home on 22:43 as Duncan Speirs achieved his second cup goal of his campaign, assisted by enforcer Ross Murray and defenceman Stuart Andrews. As the Sharks began to take the upper hand in the game, Billingham found it increasingly difficult to test sturdy netminder Hobbins and it was not long before the scoreboard read 4-1 in Solway’s favour, alternate captain Murray on hand once more to successfully send blue liner Miettinen through on goal. Realising that they must respond to their growing deficit to gain a foothold in the game, the Stars reduced the gap separating the two sides soon after as Callum Davies found the back of the net following a pass from Jack Davies on 32:56. Less than four minutes later, the game became heated as import Daniel Palmebjörk returned Murray’s slash with a crosscheck which rapidly spiralled into the two dropping the gloves. As a result, referee Steven Wardell handed the duo penalties of 2+2+2 for their antics which ran over into the final instalment of the game. 

The score line 4-2, the Sharks were aware that they must continue to work hard in order to triumph over Billingham who had not yet given up on the prospect of cup points. With power and pace, Solway punished their visitors in the second minute of the third period, Henderson teaming up with Miettinen to set Moore on course to earn their side a fifth. Feeling that the game was beginning to slip from their grasp, the Stars attempted to find a goal of their own but, struggling to contend with the Sharks’ sturdy defence, not to mention netminder Hobbins, Billingham found themselves punished further as Speirs collected his second goal of the evening with help from fellow forward Joe Coulter. Stunned by this deficit, the Stars aimed to get back to their best but fell short of the mark on several occasions before Solway retaliated with just over fifty minutes of the game played, this time Andrews on target following linkup play between Coulter and two-way player Jordan Buesa. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Less than three minutes later, Tonnar snatched another to make it 8-2 and to put the outcome of the game beyond doubt. The Stars were offered a little hope just over a minute later however, when Buesa made way for clipping on 54:25 to hand the visitors a power play but Billingham remained six goals adrift as the Sharks were restored to five men. Fifteen seconds later, another opportunity was handed to the Stars when blue liner Juraj Senko was found guilty of hooking to hand Terry Ward’s men a penalty shot but, try as he might, Palmebjörk was unable to make it count, leaving the score line unchanged. In the dying minutes of the game, Jack Davies earned a slashing penalty whilst Speirs and Hutchinson earned two minutes each for a crosscheck and unsportsmanlike behaviour respectively. These penalties running into the last minute of the period, there was little time for either side to make an impact in front of goal and the final buzzer sounded to confirm the 8-2 score line.

As a result, Solway now return to the top of the NIHL North Cup table with nine points whilst Billingham Stars sit just two points behind them in second place. Speaking after the game, Head Coach Martin Grubb shared his views with NIHL Northern Trio: “I thought we started the game a little slow and turned over too many pucks but we did well to come from behind to lead after the first. We changed the way we played a little at the end of the period and the next forty minutes was as good as we have played as a team this season. We are a young team who are full of skill and energy and it was pleasing to see us create lots of chances and finish them. We knew it would be a tough game and we would need to take our chances. We did that and now we need to do that consistently and continue improving.” 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Meanwhile, Chris Sykes added: “Sunday was a tough game for us. We went there wanting to get the cup points and we went up 1-0 and we felt good, then it went downhill for the last forty minutes of the game. We had three ‘D’ men missing, two forwards out injured, one got injured in the game. It’s not an excuse but we played seven forwards for forty minutes, chopping and changing the lines to make sure we had the right guys on. It was a tough game and it just didn’t go our way. Solway finished their chances so they took the win. Sometimes that’s the way it goes but we will pick our team mates up and ourselves together and make sure we are ready for the double header cup weekend coming up.”

Strong-willed Warriors bag win against helpless Hawks

Whitley Warriors   6

Blackburn Hawks  0

With the struggles of Whitley Warriors and Blackburn Hawks well-documented in the early stages of the 2016-17 campaign, this combined league and NIHL North Cup fixture was expected to be a close encounter as the Hillheads outfit prepared to take on Matt Darlow’s men on home ice for the first time this season. Missing goal scorer Rick Bentham, forward Jacob Corson-Heron and tough guy Reece Cairney-Witter, the Hawks iced their depleted roster against Whitley’s almost full strength line-up; the Warriors only missing defenceman Joe Stamp and forward Alan Yarrow.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Ian Hanlon

Rushing at the puck from the first faceoff, both sides were eager to make an impression in the early stages of the game but it was Whitley who managed to opening the scoring with just fifty one seconds played as player-coach David Longstaff raced into Blackburn’s defensive zone to make a pass to forward Shaun Kippin which, helped on to Callum Watson, was then coolly slotted home. In the moments that followed, Whitley dominated possession to challenge Stuart Ashton whilst Warriors’ netminder Richie Lawson had little to contend with at the other end of the ice, dealing calmly with the shots that occasionally fell his way. Continuing to pile the pressure onto the Hawks, Whitley Warriors then doubled their lead on 7:01 as power forward Jordan Barnes received the puck from Martin Crammond to pick out Harry Harley on the blue line, allowing the ‘D’ man to fire the puck past Ashton. Just over one minute later, the Warriors were able to add to their tally, Watson printing his name on the scoresheet for a second time when assisted by Kippin and defenceman Dan Pye. Whilst the best of Blackburn’s chances originated from swift play from Philip Mulcahy, who snaked his way into Whitley’s defensive zone on more than one occasion, and a towering Steven Duncombe, the Hawks found themselves up against a strong defence, not to mention the quick reflexes of shot stopper Lawson. With over fifteen minutes played in the period, Warrior Dean Holland incurred the first penalty of the game for hooking which handed Darlow’s men the advantage. Though on the penalty kill, Whitley’s defence saw off the Hawks’ attempts to chip away at their deficit and the Warriors returned to five men unscathed to go in at the break with a three-goal lead.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Ian Hanlon

Returning to the ice for the middle stanza, Whitley Warriors were aware that they must maintain the pace of their first period to ensure that the visitors could not establish a foothold in the game whereas the Lancashire outfit were eager to snatch a goal in a bid to ignite a comeback. As the pace of the game slackened though, and the Hawks could still not construct a significant attack, it was almost thirteen minutes after the interval that the next goal was scored; Whitley’s Dean Holland lighting the lamp following a pass from fellow forward Liam Brown. Soon after, the Warriors made it 5-0 as DJ Good and Andre Payette played the puck across the ice to Watson who halted for a moment when faced with Blackburn’s defence before swivelling around to unleash the shot which would complete his hat trick. Whilst the Hawks were unable to respond to this goal, recording only four shots against Lawson in comparison to Whitley’s sixteen against Ashton, Warrior Craig Johnson found himself sinbinned for slashing in the last second of the period to hand Blackburn a power play.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Ian Hanlon

Beginning the third and final stanza with just four men as a consequence, the Warriors found themselves repeatedly alleviating the pressure placed upon them by Blackburn who had opted to switch netminder Ashton for Niks Trapans at the start of the period. The visitors gradually increasing their attack in this period, Lawson found himself called upon more regularly, pulling off some outstanding saves to maintain his shutout. It was with almost ten minutes of the period played that Watson picked up a minor for holding to place the Hawks on another power play. Though the side could not capitalise, the introduction of youngster Kyle Haslam sparked some offensive play for Blackburn but, just seconds after Whitley’s return to full strength, the game became incredibly heated as the Hawks’ alternate captain Steven Duncombe decided to take on Warrior Andre Payette. Consequently, both players earned 2+2 for fighting and, whilst Payette picked up an additional match penalty for leaving Whitley’s bench, Barnes received a two minute misconduct penalty. Struggling on with three players, the Warriors were able to see off Blackburn’s attempts to creep back into the game, continuing to be effective on the penalty kill. Having served his time, Barnes then returned to the ice to target unsuspecting Hawks’ captain Ollie Lomax before eclaiming his place in the sin bin to serve 2+2+10 for fighting. Shorthanded once again, Longstaff’s line up battled on to see out the victory and a final unassisted effort from former recreational player Lawson Glasby saw the score line altered to 6-0, the defenceman having raced the length of the ice to hit home with five seconds remaining before celebrating in spectacular style. Due to this triumph, Whitley Warriors have moved out of the automatic relegation spot in the Moralee Conference, as well as claiming another three points for their regulation win in the NIHL North Cup. Reflecting on his team’s victory, player-coach David Longstaff observed: “We’re obviously pleased with the game, and to win convincingly. It was great to see our younger players, especially two sixteen year olds, nearly get on the scoresheet.”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Ian Hanlon

Subsequent to this result, the departure of Head Coach Matt Darlow has since been announced as alternate captain Steven Duncombe prepares to take over as player-coach. NIHL Northern Trio would like to take this time to thank Matt for sharing his views over the summer and to wish him all the best for the future.

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

NIHL Weekend Preview

WEEKEND

PREVIEW

NIHL NORTH DIVISION 1 MORALEE CONFERENCE

Saturday 22nd October 2016

Solway Sharks vs. Billingham Stars

Sunday 23rd October 2016

Whitley Warriors vs. Blackburn Hawks

Having missed out altogether last weekend, Martin Grubb’s Solway Sharks find themselves back in the thick of the action on Saturday when the Dumfries outfit host close rivals Billingham Stars in their second cup encounter against the Teessiders this campaign. Following this fixture, Whitley Warriors will take to the ice for their fifth home game of the season in a combined league and cup fixture against Blackburn Hawks on Sunday, having recorded a win against the side just last weekend.

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

First to ice on Saturday, Solway Sharks prepare for a cup clash against Billingham Stars, subsequent to their 6-5 overtime victory against the Teessiders at the end of last month. Though trailing by three goals at the midpoint of this game, the Sharks made a spectacular comeback against the Stars to accomplish two cup points and to remain at the top of the North Cup standings prior to Billingham’s contest with Blackburn. Not about to give up their NIHL North Cup title lightly, Terry Ward’s men fought audaciously against Matt Darlow’s Blackburn Hawks last weekend to shoot into pole position, displacing Solway Sharks in the process. The knowledge that Solway are just one point behind them, with a game in hand, may instil some caution in the Stars as they approach this fixture but the Teessiders’ desire to avenge their previous cup defeat will no doubt spur the outfit on on Saturday. With eleven goals scored collectively by the two sides in their previous encounter, Billingham’s imports Dennis Boström and Daniel Palmebjörk were highly influential against the Sharks and now find themselves leading the way as the top points scorers of the cup contest at present. Collectively, the duo have tallied six goals and seven assists in the NIHL North Cup competition to find themselves respectively ranked in first and second, ahead of team mates Chris Sykes and Callum Davies. By comparison, it was Solway’s home-grown talent who were instrumental in the Sharks’ comeback against the Stars, particularly youngster Duncan Speirs who achieved two assists and a game winning goal in overtime to bag his side a victory. Also recording a 3-1 league win against Billingham in the opening game of their campaign, Solway have had the upper hand in both competitions so far this season, though only by a narrow margin. As a result, both teams must give their all to secure maximum points in what will be the only fixture for the two outfits this weekend. However, only time will tell as to whether or not the momentum gained by the Stars in their double header last weekend will provide them with an edge over the Sharks on Saturday. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Returning from a successful trip in Slovakia with GB Under 18s, Head Coach Martin Grubb kindly took the time to reflect on this cup encounter against Billingham Stars: “We come into this weekend after a weekend off and we need to make sure we are ready to start well against a Billingham team who will be high on confidence after a good run of results and who have some momentum now. We know we will be facing a good team with lots of depth but we will go into the game focusing on our own game and working hard at both ends of the ice to ensure we give ourselves a chance to win. We have started the season well and we don’t want the weekend off to effect what we have done so far so we will be ready to battle for sixty minutes, possibly more if needed, and look to keep our form going into the cup.” Additionally, Star Chris Sykes informed NIHL Northern Trio: “This is another cup game for the Stars away against Solway. They’ve just lost Rick Bentham and we know we can beat them. We lost in overtime last time in the cup at home. We would like a bit of revenge and to get those two points back. The lads are all fired up for this after a brilliant five point weekend for us last week; everyone is chipping in and doing their bit so we are hoping that continues into this weekend. It’s just the one game for us and a nice round of golf on Sunday to relax!”

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Meanwhile, Whitley Warriors are set to host Blackburn Hawks for the first time this season, having only just defeated the side in a 3-2 road victory last Sunday. Earning their first league win of their 2016-17 campaign against the defending champions, Whitley fought hard to claim two points against Matt Darlow’s Hawks in their previous meeting with the side, having lost their lead twice in the game before finally hitting home a third goal in the last minute to leave the Lancashire outfit disappointed. With six points and a game in hand, Blackburn are situated in fifth place having undergone great changes over the summer and, with the addition of former Shark Richard Bentham and the departure of Patrik Nyman, the Hawks are still developing their cohesion as a unit. This is evidenced by the team’s fluctuating form of late which consists of three wins and three losses, recording only one road victory in six league games. 

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

By comparison, the Warriors sit at the foot of the NIHL table. Improving with each performance, David Longstaff’s team can only hope to achieve their first victory in front of a home crowd on Sunday to both build on their recent win and to snatch the points up for grabs in this combined NIHL North Cup and Moralee Conference fixture. Drawing against Telford Tigers at Hillheads on the 25^th September, the Warriors went on to concede a cup loss to Billingham Stars at home before avenging this defeat at The Forum one week later which was quickly followed up by last Sunday’s away win at Blackburn. As the Warriors gain confidence, every performance is an improvement on their last and the team will aim to continue this trend to pull themselves up from the depths of eighth place. With Bentham grabbing both goals for the Hawks last weekend, the forward could be just as influential for this road trip whilst Longstaff will aim to get his name on the scoresheet for a second consecutive week, having scored on Sunday alongside fellow forwards Shaun Kippin and Jordan Barnes. As ever, Dean Holland continues to be highly influential as captain and, though unable to light the lamp against the Hawks last weekend, the forward notched an assist to support Kippin’s effort on goal. Both teams exhibiting quality across all areas of the ice, this clash will no doubt be a close one to call and, with more than two points up for grabs, not to mention last season’s fiery encounters between enforcer Andre Payette and Hawk Reece Cairney-Witter, this game is sure to be an entertaining one, if not fast and fierce. Preparing for this game, player-coach David Longstaff shared: “Sunday will be difficult as Blackburn lost two home games last weekend and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways. They have a very good team so it’s likely it’s just a dip in form.”

For anyone hoping to attend these fixtures over the weekend, Solway Sharks faceoff against Billingham Stars at the Dumfries Ice Bowl from 7:00pm on Saturday whilst Whitley Warriors host Blackburn Hawks from 5:00pm at Whitley Bay Ice Rink on Sunday. Can’t make it to a game? Fear not! The listening details for NIHL Radio are listed below.

NIHL Radio Weekend Listings

Sunday 23rd October 2016

5:00pm on NIHL Radio 1

Whitley Warriors vs. Blackburn Hawks

Click on the link to listen: http://tunein.com/. 

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

Team Talk

Team Talk

Photo Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

At the forefront of Whitley’s battles since first appearing for his local ice hockey club in 2009, Warrior Jordan Barnes talks team mates, tough opponents and battling Andre Payette in training…

What has been your highlight of the season so far and if there was one moment you could change, what would it be?

Scoring my break away against Billingham and I’m very positive, so I wouldn’t change anything.

Were you surprised by the success of Whitley Warriors last season, following the team’s battle to remain in the Moralee Conference in 2015?

No, not really. I knew we had a good team. We just needed some guidance and we all worked hard.

So far the Warriors have three league points.  What do you make of the league so far and why do you think Whitley are finding it difficult to put points on the board, having performed so well last season?

It’s simple. Other teams have spent a lot of money on imports and we have not. We have lost speed and we have not been able to replace it. Also, we had a slow start because we did not have any pre-season games which is massive when other teams have played two to three games before the season has even started. It gives them a massive advantage but we are doing well at the minute and that’s all that matters.

Your passion on the ice is always visible but it seems to be more so in Whitley Warriors’ opening games this season. Do you feel that you are playing at your best at present, having already placed some points on the board?

Yeah, I feel that I have had a good start to the season. I always said that I wanted to get more points. I don’t want to be one-dimensional by just fighting. I find when I concentrate on playing, I’m more effective and if I need to fight, I will do so but I’m not going to be skating around, trying to challenge people to take my mind off the game.

As a power forward, you are no stranger to dropping the gloves. Who would you say your top three favourite fights were against and why?

I enjoyed fighting Witter [Reece Cairney-Witter] and, last August when we played a friendly against Kirkcaldy Kestrels, I had two fights. I also fought some guy called Payette in training at the end of last season. That was fun but I don’t get the name One-Bomb for nothing!

Who is the strongest opponent you’ve faced in a fight?

When I was nineteen, I had a fight against Jake Nurse. He was a heavy lump. He must have thrown about thirty punches. I got lucky when I hit him and cut him but he was big.

Many of the other players who’ve taken part in ‘Team Talk’ have suggested that you are a bit of a joker. What impact do you feel you have in the dressing room?

I just like a laugh. I’m always having banter with Andre which is funny because he bites but I just try to keep the mood light and try not to let anyone get down. After all, we are a family so you’ve got to stick up and be there for each other.

Which of your team mates do you get along with best and why?

Well, my best mate is Josh Maddock but all the lads are great. Skippy [Shaun Kippin] and DJ [Good] and Watto [Callum Watson]. I virtually lived with Watto and DJ a few years back. Great guys.

What are your first memories of ice hockey?

My first memories were when I was really young, watching Mike Rowe take a penalty shot and I was sitting under the scoreboard with my Dad.

Growing up, who was your favourite ice hockey player and why?

This is going to sound cheesy but it was Lobby [David Longstaff]. My Dad always used to watch the Warriors and, when I was a baby, I had a Warriors jumper my Nana knit with 25 on the back. Ha, ha! My sister has it now. I’ll probably get rinsed for this!

So far in your ice hockey career, you have been coached by Simon Leach, Garry Dowd and David Longstaff. How do their coaching styles compare?

Everyone was different. I think I have learned the most from Lobby as a coach but that’s not taking anything away from Leachy and Dowdy. I just think I’m older now and probably take more in, and the fact that Lobby has played at the highest level means he knows what he is on about.

Which season has been your favourite in a Warriors’ jersey to date and which do you feel has been the worst?

My worst was probably last year. Points wise, it was not so good as that was the first year playing after missing a year because of knee surgery. My best year I hope is going to be this year if I keep working hard.

If you could bring one former Warrior back to Hillheads, who would it be and why?

I couldn’t only bring one back but if I had to, it would probably be Dale Howey. Unreal defenceman.

How did it feel to be named as home alternate captain alongside Andre Payette last season?

It was probably my proudest moment as a player. I loved it and, with a player like Payette alongside me, it was an honour really.

What is it like to play alongside Payette? What type of character is he and just how influential is he in Whitley’s dressing room?

He has obviously got a lot of experience but, to be honest, he is just one of the lads. I like to wind him up but we get on great. He is funny too.

What impact do you think the increase in imports has had on the NIHL in recent seasons and in what ways do you feel the league has changed over the years, for better or worse?

It has definitely got a lot better with imports coming in and I think also with the lads taking it a lot more seriously. Obviously, with training and off-ice work, people are quicker and fitter so the pace of the game has gone up in the league as well. I think it’s a lot better.

Which NIHL team do you feel is one to watch out for this season and why?

Solway. They are quick on the transition and they run four lines which keeps them fresh all game but I also feel that we will surprise people.

In your opinion, who is the strongest opposition player in NIHL North?

You get to know a lot of lads through just playing against them year after year. I can’t really tell you who it’s hard to play against because every team has got stand out players.

What do you make of Whitley’s decision to enter into the NIHL North Cup this season and how have you found those games?

I personally think it wasn’t a good decision for many reasons but I suppose the extra games will help us.

What do you feel Whitley’s aims are this campaign and do you feel that the Warriors have what it takes to start picking up the points to turn their season around?

Well, I think if we can make the top four, that would be great for us but we will have to work hard every night.

What are your hopes for Whitley for the remainder of the season and where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I hope we make playoffs and, in five years’ time, as long as my family are all fit and well, I don’t mind what I’m doing. Hopefully, I’m still playing.

Thank you to Jordan Barnes for taking the time to be interviewed by NIHL Northern Trio.

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