Billingham Stars
| Billingham Stars | |
|---|---|
 | |
| City | Billingham, England |
| League | NIHL |
| Conference | Moralee Conference |
| Division | Northern Division 1 |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Home arena | TFM Radio Ice Arena |
| Colors | Red, White, Yellow, Black |
| Franchise history | |
| 1971 to 1982 | Billingham Bombers |
| 1982 to 1991 | Cleveland Bombers |
| 1991 to 1995 | Teesside Bombers |
| 1996 to 2011 | Billingham Bombers |
| 2011 to Current | Billingham Stars (ENL) |
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The Billingham Stars are an ice hockey team from the town of Billingham in the Stockton-on-Tees borough of Teesside. They are currently members of the National Ice Hockey League playing in its Moralee Conference. The Stars play their home games at the TFM Radio Ice Arena within Billingham Forum.
History
The Billingham Bombers were founded in 1971 as members of the Northern League. In 1982 they became a founder member of the British Hockey League and changed their name to the Cleveland Bombers. Between 1991 and 1995 the team played under the name of the Teesside Bombers before reverting to their original name. Between 1982 and 1986 and again between 1990 and 1994, the Bombers played in the Premier League, the top flight division of British ice hockey at the time.
In more recent times the Bombers won the English League Northern section regular season championship and Northern section play off championship during the 2005-06 season.
The Billingham Bombers did not compete in any league due to a refurbishment of their home venue TFM Radio Ice Arena in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons
Ice Hockey returned to the forum in the 2011-12 seasons after merging with the Northern Stars who were facing problems with their home rink The Metro Radio Arena. The new club was renamed Billingham Stars.
In 2011-12, the club's first season back following two seasons away from Ice Hockey, Billingham Stars were successful in their attempt to become champions of the English National League, Northern Division. The Championship was finally won with the penultimate league match, at home to Trafford Metros in a 2-2 draw, giving Billingham the final point required to ensure the title.
In 2012-13 Billingham Stars finished as runners up to Solway Sharks for both the League and Cup as well as runners up to the Blackburn Hawks in the end of season Play-Offs.
In 2013-14 season Billingham finished the season in 3rd position and were knocked out of the end of season Playoffs by 2nd placed Blackburn Hawks.
References
- A to Z Encyclopedia of Ice Hockey
- Elite Prospects - Billingham Stars Roster & Stats
- Nottingham Panthers Statistical History 1946-2000 by Mick A. Chambers
External links
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