WEEKEND
PREVIEW
NIHL
NORTH DIVISION 1 (MORALEE)
Saturday 11th November 2017
Whitley Warriors vs. Nottingham Lions
Billingham
Stars vs. Hull Pirates
Solway
Sharks vs. Sheffield Steeldogs
Sunday
12th November 2017
The Dragons vs. Billingham Stars
Nottingham Lions vs. Solway Sharks
Solihull Barons vs. Whitley Warriors
Fixture:
Whitley Warriors vs. Nottingham Lions
Date: 11th November 2017
Venue: Whitley Bay Ice Rink
Faceoff: 5:00pm
Having so far played Nottingham Lions twice this season, both at home
and on the road, Whitley Warriors will head into this game with some confidence
against Matt Bradbury’s side. First recording a 4-1 victory over the Lions at
Hillheads mid-September, in which Canadian import Philip Edgar bagged a hat
trick and alternate captain Shaun Kippin also found the target, the Warriors
then made the trip to the National Ice Centre approximately one month later
where they collected maximum points after scoring five goals to Nottingham’s two.
Whilst Edgar clearly shone for the Warriors during these clashes, tallying four
goals across the two games, Nottingham’s experienced centre Marc Levers was
able to provide his team with a consolatory goal during their visit to Whitley
Bay Ice Rink in September and Czech forward Ondrej Pniok did well to place the
Lions on level terms when the side faced Whitley in front of a home crowd last
month; young forward Ruskin Hughes also adding to this goal to make for a
nerve-racking third period, though in the end this effort ultimately made
little difference to the final result.
With quite the gap between the two sides at present, this game is an important one for both teams. Currently sitting in mid-table with fourteen points from eleven games, Whitley Warriors need a win over the Lions to continue to climb the league table besides gathering momentum ahead of their trip to Hobs Moat Road on Sunday. Nottingham, meanwhile, will be aiming to triumph over David Longstaff’s men in the hope that they can edge away from the league placement playoff place as well as building on their lone road victory over Solihull Barons. With this game set to be another testing encounter for both teams regardless of the gap between them, it is not one to be missed as the outfits go head-to-head at Hillheads on Saturday, in place of the Warriors’ usual Sunday slot.
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Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson
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With quite the gap between the two sides at present, this game is an important one for both teams. Currently sitting in mid-table with fourteen points from eleven games, Whitley Warriors need a win over the Lions to continue to climb the league table besides gathering momentum ahead of their trip to Hobs Moat Road on Sunday. Nottingham, meanwhile, will be aiming to triumph over David Longstaff’s men in the hope that they can edge away from the league placement playoff place as well as building on their lone road victory over Solihull Barons. With this game set to be another testing encounter for both teams regardless of the gap between them, it is not one to be missed as the outfits go head-to-head at Hillheads on Saturday, in place of the Warriors’ usual Sunday slot.
Considering Whitley’s double header, Warriors’
player-coach David Longstaff stated:
“It’s going to be another tough couple of games, and
our first Saturday night home game in a long while. Nottingham have played
pretty well against us in the two games we’ve played them so far and, with
regards to Sunday’s away game, as you know, we never travel well and I expect
that we’ll be missing maybe six or seven players.”
Fixture:
Billingham Stars vs. Hull Pirates
Date: 11th November 2017
Venue: The Forum
Faceoff: 5:30pm
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Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson
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Having already faced Hull Pirates away from home this season,
Billingham Stars will head out this weekend looking to make amends for last
month’s 11-1 defeat to the side. Amongst those on the scoresheet in their last outing against the Teessiders were alternate
captain Samuel Towner and forward Lee Bonner, both of whom tallied two goals
and two assists each, besides right winger Bobby Chamberlain and skilled
forward Matty Davies who collectively notched nine points to contribute to
their team’s landslide victory over the Stars.
Only managing a consolatory goal on 52:36 through Latvian import Deniss
Baškatovs, Billingham will hope to compete against the Pirates in front
of a home crowd, though this will be easier said than done as Hull continue to
combine the physical aspect of the sport with their skill to successfully
dismantle their opposition’s offensive play.
Setting out to contend with Hull’s style of play will be Billingham’s current top points scorers who consist of Latvian import Baškatovs and alternate captain Chris Sykes, both of whom are tied on sixteen points whilst player-coach Michael Bowman and captain Michael Elder have also contributed to the Stars’ points production, so far managing eleven goals and six assists between them. Though still sitting in eighth place with just three points from nine league games, the Teessiders have lost their last three league games by fine margins and were able to record a 9-3 cup victory over Blackburn Hawks two weeks ago. As such, the side will look to take the positives from these games as they prepare to tackle the former EPL side for a second time, knowing that, should they succeed, they could begin to make use of their games in hand to chip away at the margin between themselves and the seventh placed Solihull Barons. As the Stars prepare to do all they can to target maximum points whilst Hull look to improve on their current league position, the outcome of this game will certainly be of interest, particularly if Billingham are to set themselves on a winning course sooner rather than later.
Alternate captain Chris Sykes took time to consider the Stars’ fixture against Hull Pirates:
Setting out to contend with Hull’s style of play will be Billingham’s current top points scorers who consist of Latvian import Baškatovs and alternate captain Chris Sykes, both of whom are tied on sixteen points whilst player-coach Michael Bowman and captain Michael Elder have also contributed to the Stars’ points production, so far managing eleven goals and six assists between them. Though still sitting in eighth place with just three points from nine league games, the Teessiders have lost their last three league games by fine margins and were able to record a 9-3 cup victory over Blackburn Hawks two weeks ago. As such, the side will look to take the positives from these games as they prepare to tackle the former EPL side for a second time, knowing that, should they succeed, they could begin to make use of their games in hand to chip away at the margin between themselves and the seventh placed Solihull Barons. As the Stars prepare to do all they can to target maximum points whilst Hull look to improve on their current league position, the outcome of this game will certainly be of interest, particularly if Billingham are to set themselves on a winning course sooner rather than later.
Alternate captain Chris Sykes took time to consider the Stars’ fixture against Hull Pirates:
“Saturday is another home game for us and another
test against a good Hull team. Last time we played them it was at their rink
and we were short on numbers through injury and work commitments but many are
back now. We have been playing much better over the last two weekends, something
we can take into this weekend. It’ll be a tough game but it’s on our ice pad
and hopefully we can get two points at home for our fans who have been as good
as they always are, getting behind the lads.”
Looking forward to this game, Pirates’
defenceman Wilcox took time to consider Hull’s latest opposition:
“We face Billingham for the second time this season
and we are expecting a much tougher test this time around. Last time, they were
not at full strength and not the normal Billingham team we expect to see this
weekend, especially in their own barn. We have been playing well of late and
hopefully this form will continue this weekend in what is a crucial time for us
in the league where we hope to climb the table.”
Fixture:
Solway Sharks vs. Sheffield Steeldogs
Date: 11th November 2017
Venue: Dumfries Ice Bowl
Faceoff: 7:00pm
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Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson
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Hoping to apply their goal scoring prowess to defeat Sheffield Steeldogs, Solway will look to their top points scorer Iain Bowie, who has so far accomplished twenty nine points in twelve league games, as well as forward Connor Henderson, left winger Steven Moore and alternate captain Ross Murray who have collectively contributed fifteen goals and forty assists to Solway’s league campaign to date. However, the real test for the Sharks’ on Saturday will be that which their defence are faced with as they prepare to prevent Sheffield’s offensive play, with the side’s main threats including former Sutton Sting captain James Spurr and Slovakian imports Milan Kolena and Adrian Palak. This, together with the outstanding netminding ability of Dmitri Zimozdra and Brandon Stones, will make for an entertaining encounter as the Sharks set their sights on top spot once again.
Speaking ahead of this game, Solway’s Head Coach Martin
Grubb shared:
“The Steeldogs have had a very good start to the season and are a team
that is full of both youth and experience. The majority of their players have
played EPL ice hockey so we know this will be a tough game. We played each
other pre-season and although both teams have changed a little, it gives us a
little idea of them. We will need to be at our best and we will go into the
game looking for the win.”
Ready to face the Sharks on Saturday, Steeldogs’
captain Lewis Bell revealed:
“We are looking forward to this weekend as we have a massive test
playing both Solway and Blackburn away which is pretty much as hard a weekend
as we’ve had all year. The games are coming in more often now and we’re really
enjoying the test; whilst it’s very early, it’s always nice to be at the top of
the table. Our aim is, of course, to stay there and if we can take points from
the two teams this weekend I’m sure they’ll be very well-earned as they are very
strong teams with particularly strong defensive cores.”
Fixture:
The Dragons vs. Billingham Stars
Date: 12th November 2017
Venue: Deeside Leisure Centre
Faceoff: 5:45pm
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Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson
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Planning on playing with the same style and character that they demonstrated against Sheffield Steeldogs last Sunday, The Dragons will realistically target a narrower score line as they look to climb out of the automatic relegation spot and, though this will certainly be no easy task, it will be one which the home team will embrace as they aim to continue their progression in Division One following the departures of young netminder Jonah Armstrong, youngster Louis Morgan and forward Shaun Dippnall this week, the latter making his return to Division Two side Widnes Wild. However, though The Dragons are currently situated at the foot of the table, Billingham Stars find themselves just two places ahead with a single point and three games in hand on Sunday’s opposition and therefore cannot be complacent going into this game, particularly as the Welsh outfit will apply last weekend’s work ethic to make life difficult for their visitors.
Adding to his earlier comments, Billingham’s forward Chris Sykes also looked ahead to the Stars’ upcoming clash against The Dragons:
“Sunday is a late night in Deeside. We played them earlier in the year and we won that game so hopefully we can gain the advantage again for a nice four point weekend. It’s coming for us, we just need a full sixty minutes from everyone and we will get them.”
Looking ahead to the challenge facing The Dragons
this weekend, forward Geoff Wigglesworth acknowledged:
“This coming weekend we have a massive test ahead.
Every game we play is more testing now considering what we have been through as
a club. Over the last few weeks, we’ve had a tough game against Solway which
saw us concede fourteen goals but we give it all we had. Sunday was different;
we played with freedom and belief and it showed in the score line which is how we
will approach the game against Billingham. They’re quality operators and have
class right through the team. While they seem to be having a bad season, we
need to take advantage of that. They have had us beat by a large margin in
every game we have played them so we are going into the game with no pressure
and we just want to put a good, solid performance on for our fans. The Den was
quality on Sunday; our smallest crowd but our loudest so I’m hoping people got
a positive feeling, like all of us, as we need them there, getting behind us. ”
Fixture:
Nottingham Lions vs. Solway Sharks
Date: 12th November 2017
Venue: National Ice Centre
Faceoff: 6:00pm
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Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson
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With Nottingham scrapping at the bottom of the table for points and Solway contending with those teams at the top, the Lions will be under no illusion as to the challenge ahead but, equally, the Sharks will be aware that Bradbury’s team will no doubt put up a fight, the side having accomplished some respectable results so far. Though winning narrowly in a 5-4 clash against Solihull Barons last month, the Lions battled against Hull Pirates and Blackburn Hawks at the beginning of the season, only losing out by two goals in these fixtures and even recording a pleasing 5-2 loss to former EPL outfit Telford Tigers on their introductory game into NIHL North’s Division One. With games between the Lions and their opposition so far close this season, this should be another compact clash as Nottingham continue to utilise their defensive ability whilst seeking goals through talented forwards Warren Tait, Marc Levers and Ruskin Hughes, to name but a few, in the hope that this tactic will begin to pay off in the coming weeks.
Considering Sunday’s opposition, Sharks’ Head Coach
Martin Grubb observed:
“Last time we played in Nottingham, it was a tough game and we needed a
strong third period to avoid defeat so we know how difficult a game this is. I
was impressed with Matt’s team and they will be desperate to get back to
winning ways after a few tough games so we will be ready to battle and look for
points on the road.”
Also, considering Nottingham’s double header, Lions’
captain Elliot Perrin admitted:
“Double header weekends are tough, especially travelling to Whitley on
Saturday. It’s a tough place to play after a long coach journey so we need to
make sure we are on the ball. Whitley are a tough team; having played them
twice now, we know how they play and it’s going to be tough from the first
faceoff. We’ve not been playing a full sixty minutes and that’s been our
downfall. These teams play hard for the full sixty. Sunday against Solway will
be hard after a late night travelling back. They have a lot of speed on their
side so, after playing on Saturday, we will hopefully have the legs going ready
for Sunday. We know we can challenge the team and push them hard. We just need
to play a full game and we will get results. It’s a tough weekend for us but I
believe we can take points this week. We will train hard and iron out some of
our flaws but we will be ready for the challenge.”
Fixture:
Solihull Barons vs. Whitley Warriors
Date: 12th November 2017
Venue: Hobs Moat Road
Faceoff: 6:00pm
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Credit: IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson
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After enduring a particularly difficult start to their season, during which time the Barons were often short benched, Solihull’s Head Coach Daniel MacKriel parted company with the club early last month as the side found themselves struggling in the lower positions of the league table with aspirations to compete with the strongest teams in Division One. Following their 4-3 loss to the Dragons on the 10th September, the Barons went on to record a further four defeats before accomplishing a fantastic 9-8 overtime win over Hull Pirates; this their second victory over the former EPL outfit after also defeating the side by a goal on the second weekend of their season. Winning five of their last six games, the Barons will certainly have some momentum going into this fixture but the Warriors will equally be up for the challenge as they look to build on last weekend’s overtime loss to Hull Pirates by tackling some of the league’s toughest teams, the side already claiming points against derby rivals Billingham Stars and defending champions Solway Sharks this season to show a competitive edge which may prove testing for Solihull. With the league very different this season and these sides somewhat changed from that of their last campaign, this game is sure to draw the attention of many as the duo prepare to compete.
Reflecting on Whitley’s season so far and looking forward to the Warriors’ upcoming double header, Canadian import Philip Edgar told NIHL Northern Trio:
“So far I think we have been really good this
season. We have proven that we can compete with the top teams and be dangerous
when we play well. There is a lot more work to do but I think we are on the
right track. As for the game against the Lions, if we stick to a defensive game
and play smart, I believe we can win. In regards to Sunday, I personally have
no experience with the Barons. However, I know that we, as a team, will enter the
game focused and determined to get a win, same as every other game.”
Raring to compete with Whitley again, Baron Thomas Soar also considered this fixture:
Raring to compete with Whitley again, Baron Thomas Soar also considered this fixture:
“The team and I are looking forward to hosting Whitley this weekend. It’s always a tough, end-to-end game each time we meet and, with our recent form, hopefully there’ll be a big crowd in. I think luck is starting to bounce our way a bit now. We were losing games by one or two goals at the start (not to mention the run-ins against the three EPL teams) but, by cutting out silly mistakes, we’re starting to find our stride now which we’ll take into this Sunday’s game.”
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