Martin Crammond, Josh Maddock and David Longstaff. Photo by Ice Hockey Media - Colin Lawson
NIHL North Division 1 league leaders the Whitley Warriors face the reigning league champions the Blackburn Hawks on Sunday evening (face off – 5pm) in a league match at Hillheads Ice Rink in Whitley Bay.
Warriors Player/Coach David Longstaff will have a strong roster of players available to him for the match up though the versatile Stu Tomlinson looks set to miss this weekend’s game as he twisted his knee in training during the week. It is also not yet known whether Whitley skipper Jamie Tinsley who missed both of last weekend’s road victories will be passed fit for this weekend’s action as he gets back to fitness following an arm injury.
Whitley should have youngsters Craig Johnson and Liam Smedley in their squad for the Blackburn game as the under 18’s do not have a match this weekend so the 2 teenagers will be able to step up and ice for Warriors once again. Both Johnson and Smedley have impressed on their senior appearances this season and having them on the roster gives Warriors extra depth and increased tactical options.
Warriors and Hawks currently occupy the 1st and 2nd positions in the league table with Whitley 3 points ahead of Blackburn however the side from Lancashire do have 4 games in hand over the Tynesiders making each game the 2 sides play against one another a must see contest for hockey fans across the north.
In an interesting development Hawks have also recently re-signed the hard hitting d man Reece Cairney-Witter who is not averse to dropping his gloves when required and Blackburn’s most recent acquisition could well be called into action this weekend if tempers fray between the 2 sides out on the ice.
Blackburn Hawks look set to bring a large amount of fans up to Whitley Bay on Sunday for the game and Hawks match night announcer Oz Philips shared his views on his sides trip to the north east to take on Warriors.
“Coming into this weekend the Blackburn Hawks are still unbeaten in the league since January 2014 but their 100% record this season was ended last Sunday as they drew 2-2 against a tactically drilled and determined Sutton Sting. Although the Hawks’ attacking threat is well known, the defence has also been on top form with Blackburn only falling behind twice all season.
“Max Drakeley is an ongoing injury concern having sustained a shoulder injury in training, with no date set for his eventual return. Chris Butler has a recurring knee complaint which has hampered him all season and Jordan Bannon, who has missed a large part of the season through injury, picked up a knock in the Hawks last game which may see him as being doubtful for this fixture.”
Tickets for this weekends game are priced at £8.50 adults and £6.50 for children while a family ticket (2 adults plus 2 children) can be bought for £24. Following the game there will be opportunity for fans to skate with the players and then a buffet and raffle will be held in the rink bar after the game, it would be great to see as many as supporters as possible at the game and also at the events that follow it.