The YKK sponsored Widnes Wild have back to back matches against the Blackburn Hawks this weekend, when they entertain them in the second leg of the North West Cup on Saturday 10th December at Planet Ice Widnes – 5.30pm face off - and then face them away in the league on Sunday (6pm).
Widnes have the chance of winning the first piece of silverware of the 2022/23 season as the game on Saturday will determine the winners of the North West Cup.
The cup had originally been planned to operate as a three way tournament involving Deeside Dragons and Blackburn Hawks as well as Widnes but delays in the re-opening of the Dragons’ rink made that impractical and the format was changed to straight home and away games between the Wild and the Hawks.
Deeside actually won the first M56 Cup game - played at Planet Ice Widnes back in October – 4-6 and, once they get their league fixture backlog sorted out, there are hopes that there might be time for a return fixture before the end of the season.
However, as regards the North West Cup and Blackburn, with Widnes having lost the away leg of the cup tie 3-2 in East Lancashire a couple of weeks ago, they will have to win on Saturday by two clear goals to secure the trophy.
Saturday’s game also sees the Wild’s annual “Teddy Toss” event where supporters are encouraged to donate soft toys that will be distributed to local charities and good causes over the Christmas period.
At a pre-arranged point during the game everyone throws their toys onto the ice and, to avoid them getting damaged by surface water, fans are asked to make sure that their donations are securely wrapped in plastic before propelling them rink-wards.
As it will be the Wild’s last home game before Christmas, fans are also encouraged to wear Christmas jumpers and other festive attire.
The game on Saturday faces off at 5.30pm and doors open at 4.45
As usual, after the game, two Wild players will be available to meet with supporters for photos and autographs. Please note that this is now taking place in a new location in the corner of the rink by the entrance to the changing rooms - and not down by the café as was the case in previous years.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Contrary to previous information, Saturday’s cup game WILL BE LIVESTREAMED so that anybody who is unable to attend can still enjoy all the action. Online viewing tickets can be booked to watch the game HERE
Following on from Saturday’s crunch Cup encounter, the away game on Sunday is likely to be another passionate and closely contested affair.
Blackburn are currently in 6th place in the Moralee Division table with 5 wins from 15 games while Widnes are in 4th place with 8 from 14.
WILD JUNIOR ACADEMY
The only Wild Academy game of the weekend is on Saturday 10th December when the Under 18 team are away to Grimsby U18s - 3pm face off.
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