NIHL North round-up: Big three off to a flyer in Moralee D1

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(Image permission: Lois Tomlinson)

LANCASHIRE, UK – Last season’s top three in Moralee D2 kicked-off the new campaign with a pair of wins on the opening weekend of the season.

Reigning champions Sheffield Steeldogs picked up four points on the road, winning 4-3 at Billingham Stars and 11-0 at Nottingham Lions.

Hull Pirates eased to an 8-1 success on home ice against Whitley Warriors and they followed up with a 5-1 victory at Blackburn Hawks – player/coach Jason Hewitt (above) weighed in with five goals over the two games.

Telford Tigers also enjoyed a four-point weekend, winning 12-1 at home to Nottingham and 8-2 at Whitley – Jason Silverthorn hit a hat-trick in both matches.

Ethan Hehir grabbed the winning goal as Billingham ran out 5-4 winners at Solihull Barons.

In Laidler D2, Josh Stockton’s late strike gave Bradford Bulldogs a 4-3 victory at Deeside Dragons.

PHN’s top two talking points

Hull goalie looks the business

There have been some impressive signings in NIHL North this summer, but Hull’s acquisition of Czech netminder Tomas Fucik could prove to be the most important bit of business.

The 24-year-old previously performed well in Poland’s top flight and he has moved to the UK in the hope of progressing to the Elite League.

He conceded just two goals on the opening weekend and may be the difference maker for the Pirates this season.

Keep an eye on improving Bulldogs

Bradford showed signs of improvement last term and their opening victory at Deeside highlights that they could be a team to watch in D2 this season.

The home side are expected to one of the better sides in this division, so a road win looks an impressive result at this early stage.

The Bulldogs have added some quality to their roster this summer and a top four finish shouldn’t be beyond them.

WEEKEND RESULTS

Moralee D1

Billingham Stars 3-4 Sheffield Steeldogs
Blackburn Hawks 1-5 Hull Pirates
Hull Pirates 8-1 Whitley Warriors
Nottingham Lions 0-11 Sheffield Steeldogs
Solihull Barons 4-5 Billingham Stars
Telford Tigers 12-1 Nottingham Lions
Whitley Warriors 2-8 Whitley Warriors

Laidler D2

Deeside Dragons 3-4 Bradford Bulldogs