(Image permission: Keith & Jenny Davies)
LANCASHIRE, UK – It’s a slightly less packed schedule in NIHL North this weekend, but there are still plenty of games in both league and cup worth keeping an eye on.
Read on as we take a look at three standout fixtures from the latest round of matches.
Solway Sharks v Telford Tigers – NIHL North Cup – Saturday
The Sharks head into this game on the back of an impressive 6-4 victory at Sheffield Steeldogs last weekend.
The home side need just a point to secure their place in the semi-finals of the competition and they will be eager to get the job done on home ice.
Telford are also on the cusp of qualifying for the last four, but the Sharks are expected to put up a big fight at Dumfries Ice Bowl on Saturday.
Prediction: Solway 4-5 Telford (OT)
Sheffield Steeldogs v Blackburn Hawks – Moralee D1 – Saturday
Sheffield will undoubtedly be keen to bounce back from last week’s cup defeat as they bid to maintain their place at the top of the league.
The Steeldogs recorded a 6-0 victory at Blackburn in the cup back in October, although the Hawks have improved over the past few weeks to win four in a row.
However, Ben Morgan’s side will be fired up to prove a point and they are strongly fancied to come out on top this weekend.
Prediction: Sheffield 6-2 Blackburn
Deeside Dragons v Widnes Wild – Laidler D2 – Sunday
Deeside were expected to be one of the better sides in D2 this season, but they struggled to find their form during the early part of the campaign.
Victories over Telford Tigers 2, Hull Jets and Altrincham Aces over the past few weeks have steadied the ship and suggest the Dragons are getting to grips with the division.
Widnes have reeled off seven wins on the bounce, but they could be in for a stiff examination of their title credentials in North Wales.
Prediction: Deeside 3-4 Widnes (SO)
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Hull Pirates v Nottingham Lions
Sheffield Steeldogs v Blackburn Hawks
Sunday
Blackburn Hawks v Solihull Barons
Nottingham Lions v Billingham Stars
Sheffield Steeldogs v Sutton Sting
Laidler D2
Saturday
Telford Tigers 2 v Coventry Blaze NIHL
Sunday
Coventry Blaze NIHL v Altrincham Aces
Deeside Dragons v Widnes Wild
Sheffield Senators v Blackburn Hawks 2
NIHL North Cup
Saturday
Solway Sharks v Telford Tigers
Sunday
Murrayfield Racers v Solway Sharks
Telford Tigers v Hull Pirates
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