The YKK Widnes Wild travelled North-East to face league leaders Billingham Stars for the final time this season in league action. The Wild failed to carry their momentum forwards after their win the previous evening over derby rivals Deeside Dragons, facing a 7-0 defeat at the Billingham forum. Despite the loss, Widnes sit in 7th place, still 5 points clear of Nottingham Lions.
YKK Widnes Wild out for warmup in the Billingham Forum
Wild lined up with a squad of 14+2, missing #55 Owen Rae, #61 Bailey Thomson and #9 Ken Armstrong from the squad. However, #24 Flynn Massie, #12 Luke Alston and #32 Harrison Walker boosted the numbers for Widnes on the night.
Meanwhile, the Stars iced with 15+2, also missing regular players. Most notably, #33 Mark Turnbull started in goal for Billingham with #30 Tom Brown injured and #32 Harrison Walker was between the pipes for Widnes, backed up by Pearson.
The game started off relatively slow, but Widnes were determined to find an early goal to upset the home team. However, the first penalty of the game, handed to #20 Bez Hughes at 8:29 gave Billingham the 1st major opportunity of the game. The Stars converted through #91 Iain Brown with a tap-in off the initial shot by #12 Tommy Spraggon at 9:37 on the power-play.
Widnes were struck with another penalty less than a minute later at 10:14 – this time it was a double minor for #11 Will Harper for tripping and misconduct. Latvian import #26 Rolands Gritāns doubled his side’s lead at 12:03, assisted by captain #32 Michael Elder again on the man advantage.
Widnes attempted to reduce the deficit after they returned to full strength, but the Stars’ defence held strong to end the first period 2-0 to Billingham.
2nd period puck drop
Billingham took control of the puck quickly in the middle frame and fired shots on goal, looking to extend their lead. However, Walker made multiple saves to deny the Stars offence and keep Widnes in the game.
Wild’s #11 Will Harper received a penalty at 25:56 for elbows, handing Billingham another opportunity. In the dying moments of the penalty kill, #23 Jack Emerson found a way past Harrison, slotting the puck into the bottom corner to post the score at 3-0.
The league leaders upped the game to another level and 2 goals in 2 minutes for the Stars pushed the game further from the Wild’s grasp. A second goal for #26 Gritāns, plus a breakaway for #98 Alex Preston pushed the scoreline to 5-0 halfway though the match.
Widnes continued to push for the attack, but nothing was connecting in the Billingham zone allowing the Stars to dominate the remainder of the 2nd period.
The Wild re-discussed tactics in the break, seeing them play a much more defensive game in the final frame. Widnes were short-handed once more at 49:30 after #39 Matty Barlow sat 2min for slashing.Another double minor at 51:12 for #11 Will Harper put Widnes 5on3 for 2min 18s.
Canadian import #91 Iain Brown grabbed his 2nd of the game straight from the faceoff at 51:29, assisted by #32 Elder and #5 Moss. Billingham’s top points scorer #15 Chris Sykes claimed his first of the game, following quickly on from Brown’s goal at 53:07 on the power-play.
Billingham let their discipline slack in the final few minutes of the game, seeing #91 Iain Brown, #5 James Moss and #11 Andrew Finn all head to the penalty box on separate occasions. However, Widnes failed to convert on the chances, ending the game 7-0 to the Stars.
Player handshakes after the game
MVPs were awarded to forward #21 Damarni James for Widnes, and netminder #33 Mark Turnbull after his shut-out performance in goal for Billingham.
Officials: Ellis, Munro, Hesslewood
STATS – (2-0) (3-0) (2-0)
Harrison Walker: 16/16/18 (50 shots)
Mark Turnbull: 11/11/18 (30 shots)
Billingham Stars: Iain Brown 2+1, Rolands Gritāns 2+0, Jack Emerson 1+1, Alex Preston 1+0, Chris Sykes 1+0, Michael Elder 0+4, James Moss 0+3, Tommy Spraggon 0+1, Callum Wilkinson 0+1
Article written by Fleur Tobin