Whitley Warriors host the Blackburn Hawks this Sunday evening (5pm face off) in a NIHL North Division 1 encounter. Warriors come into the game in good form as Simon Leach’s side have only suffered 1 defeat in their last 5 league games. However Blackburn are also at the top of their game as Hawks are yet to lose a league game this season as the side from the north west have won 8 and drawn 1 of their 9 NIHL North contests.
Last weekend saw Whitley draw 1-1 against their local rivals the Billingham Stars on Tyneside. Warriors looked set to claim a victory against their neighbours from Teesside until a late strike from James Moss tied the game up with under 4 minutes to play. Warriors will be without 2 players who iced against Billingham for this weekend’s clash with Hawks as the imposing blue liner Dan Pye is ruled out through injury while skipper Jamie Tinsley is unavailable.
Last Sunday’s local derby saw an impressive crowd at Hillheads and Warriors are hopeful that their clash with the Blackburn Hawks will attract another healthy attendance this weekend. Hawks are expected to bring a vocal travelling support with them for their first visit to Tyneside this term.
Warriors of course will have plenty of supporters travelling to Hillheads from around the north east of England however one fan in Chris Santos is making a much longer trip so that he can be in the north east for the seasonal festivities and to take in the Whitley Blackburn game.
Chris is making the 16 hour journey back to Cullercoats on Tyneside from Hokkaido in Japan where he currently works as an English Teacher. Chris shared his thoughts on seeing Warriors in action on the ice once again after not seeing Whitley ice for around 18 months.
“The aspects of the Blackburn game I am most looking forward to are, firstly I hear from fans that the defensive part of the Warriors has improved, so I’m looking forward to seeing that myself.
“Also, I currently attend Asia Hockey League games in Japan, which are a little faster paced but much less rough. So I’m excited to see some bigger checks and maybe a scrap or two if needs be.
“Sadly this game versus Blackburn will be the only game I can attend this season, as I will be flying home the day of the next game (Sunday 4th January – when Warriors host the Solway Sharks)!”
This Sunday’s game at Hillheads faces offs at 5pm with doors opening 30 minutes earlier. Tickets are priced at £8 for adults, £6 for children while a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) can be bought for £23. The Whitley Warriors Supporters Club are holding their Christmas Party after the game where fans will have the opportunity to skate with the players, a buffet will be served in the rink bar, a match night raffle will be held and tickets can also be bought for the end of season game worn shirt raffle.