This weekend sees the first Tyne Tees derby of the 2014/15 campaign when the Billingham Stars travel to Whitley Bay on Sunday evening on take on the Warriors in a NIHL North Division 1 encounter. Whitley have a strong squad of players available to head coach Simon Leach as the only players missing for Warriors are Adam Reynolds and Jordan Barnes who are both ruled out of action with long term injuries.
Whitley have been in good form in recent games winning 3 out of their last 4 match ups including a superb 4-0 success on the road against the Sutton Sting and 2 victories over the Manchester Minotaurs. Several of the younger members of Warriors roster have been in impressive form as the likes of Callum Queenan, Ben Richards and Alex Lawson have all been amongst the points so far this term. Richards took a puck to the face in Warriors last match up against the Solway Sharks however the young forward is expected to be able to ice this weekend.
Stars have also picked up a couple of victories of late against the Sutton Sting and Sheffield Spartans however these are Teessiders only two positive results from their last 13 match ups in all competitions. It does have to be noted that several of the Stars games were in the crossover cup where Billingham took on sides from the highly regarded English Premier League in the newly introduced cup competition.
Warriors are hopeful of a bumper crowd for the derby match up as the club have been promoting the game inviting all hockey fans from the north east to the match. Supporters from all over the north have been encouraged to come along to Hillheads for the Warriors versus Stars clash. It is hoped that fans will wear their favourite hockey shirts and it would be nice to see the colours of former north east teams such as the Durham Wasps, Sunderland Chiefs or the Newcastle Vipers in the stands this Sunday.
Doors will open at 4.30pm (on Sunday December 14th) for the game with face off 30 minutes later. Admission is £8 for adults, £6 for children and a family ticket can be bought for £23 which provides admission for 2 adults and 2 children. Guide dogs for the blind will be at the game and they will be having a bucket collection at the main entrance to the rink.
Warriors will also be holding a 50/50 draw as well as the Hilllheads Hot Shot where 3 lucky fans get to go out on the ice and shoot the puck at a gap in the goal to see if they can win a superb meal for 2 at local restaurant Red House.