IT’S A HOME double header for Billingham Stars in the National Ice Hockey League Moralee Division this weekend as Telford Tigers 2 and Nottingham Lions visit the Forum.
A first match-up of the season later today as the Stars get their first look at Telford Tigers 2. Tigers have shuffled the pack this season, Jason Silverthorn stepping back behind the bench and Vladimir Luka back in his native Czechia. There is a big change between the pipes also as Luca Tessadri has taken over from the departed Zack Brown. Some inconsistency early doors has smoothed out of late, Telford sitting in third place on the back of a maximum point weekend against much-fancied Deeside Dragons last time out.
Nottingham Lions arrive on Teesside tomorrow in sixth place and hoping to avenge an overtime defeat at the National Ice Centre just a few weeks ago. Lions were short benched on that occasion, a full-strength Nottingham may prove to be a tricker proposition.
Billingham do not want to lose sight of the teams above them, and a home double header presents an excellent opportunity to get points on the board. Stars will still be missing players – as has been the case all season – but should hand a senior debut to Jacob McConnell as they continue to bring through talent from the junior ramks.
Fixture:
💫 Billingham Stars 🆚 Telford Tigers 2 🐯
🏆 NIHL Moralee Division
📍 Billingham Forum Ice Arena
📅 Sunday 31st October 2026
🕠 Face off 5.30pm
Telford Tigers 2:
2025-26 Moralee Division: Fourth
2025-26 Moralee Cup: Semi-Final
Squad changes from 2025-26:
Players out: Vladimir Luka (F - HK Nový Jičín); Liam Bartholomew (D - Coventry NIHL Blaze); Joshua Minns (G - Sheffield Scimitars); Zack Brown (G - Blackburn Hawks)
Players in: Xander Robinson (F - Milton Keynes Thunder); Leo Harris (F - Solent Devils); Oliver King (F - Paisley Pirates); Bryce Irwin (F - Ratinger Ice Aliens); Luca Tessadri (G - Widnes Wild); Oliver Turner (D - Sheffield Steeldogs); Liam Preece (D - No team); Louis Allen (F - Solihull Barons)
In charge:
Head Coach – Jason Silverthorn
Assistant Coach – Tom Lauder, Andrew Watt
🔗 Telford Tigers 2 on Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/23831/telford-tigers-2
Fixture:
💫 Billingham Stars 🆚 Nottingham Lions 🦁
🏆 NIHL Moralee Division
📍 Billingham Forum Ice Arena
📅 Sunday 1st November 2026
🕠 Face off 5.30pm
🔗 Nottingham Lions on Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/3382/nottingham-lions
Weekend Fixtures:
NIHL Moralee Saturday:
💫 Billingham Stars 🆚 Telford Tigers 2 🐯
✈️ Hull Jets 🆚 Widnes Wild 🐾
🦅 Blackburn Hawks 🆚 Nottingham Lions 🦁 (L/C)
🗡️ Sheffield Scimitars 🆚 Deeside Dragons 🐉 (L/C)
NIHL Moralee Sunday:
💫 Billingham Stars 🆚 Nottingham Lions 🦁
⚜️ Solihull Barons 🆚 Blackburn Hawks 🦅
🐾 Widnes Wild 🆚 Leeds Knights 2 ⚔️ (L/C)