Warriors to take on Play Off Champions Blackburn in the last home game of 2013

This weekend sees Whitley Warriors host the NIHL North 2012/13 Play Off Champions the Blackburn Hawks in a Moralee Conference encounter. Warriors will be looking to build upon last weekends 7-5 victory over the Sheffield Spartans when they take to the ice on Sunday evening at their Hillheads Home.

Whitley currently sit 3rd in the NIHL North standings with a total of 14 points from 12 games, Blackburn only have 2 points less than Warriors however Hawks occupy 6th position in the table which illustrates just how competitive the league is this campaign.

Warriors go into this weekend’s match up knowing their home form has been excellent this term as Simon Leach’s side have won 5 of the 6 competitive games they have played on home ice while Blackburn have been in mixed form away from Lancashire as Hawks have won 2 and drawn 1 of their 6 games on the road in Conference action.

Whitley skipper and long serving forward DJ Good shared his thoughts ahead of Whitley’s clash against the Blackburn Hawks.

“It’s going to be a tough game but one we are looking to win. The two teams have a lot of history and rivalry between us so it should be a really good contest.

“We are coming up to the mid way point of the season and it’s time for us start playing like we are capable of and ending the season very strongly.”

Blackburn have recently added a new player to their roster as Canadian import forward Jonathan Adams has linked up with Hawks. Adams played his first 2 games in NIHL North last weekend when he was able to find the net on 2 occasions and impressed with his physical style of play.

Adams and his Hawks teammates have no Saturday game like Warriors this weekend so Sunday’s match up should see two well rested sides going head to head as one of the main rivalries in NIHL North hockey comes to the ice on Tyneside this Sunday.

Supporters are reminded that face off is at the normal 5pm this Sunday however after the game the Warriors Supporters Club will be hosting a Christmas Party which all fans are welcome to attend, there will be a buffet, raffle and a 50/50 game. Youngsters will also have the exciting opportunity to skate with the Warriors players after the game between Whitley and Blackburn has ended.

There are no charges for either the Christmas Party or Skate with the Players events though if skate hire is needed there is a small charge (of £2 for the skates) while any contributions towards the buffet would be greatly received by those who take the time to make and prepare the food.