Murrayfield Racers confident of beating Lynx '“ but Stars a stiffer challenge

Murrayfield Racers defeated Kirkcaldy Kestrels 10-3 last Sunday. Picture: Ian Coyle

Racers director of hockey Tony Hand hopes a loud home support will help level the playing field against the semi-professional English outfit, who won 8-2 when the two sides met south of the border earlier in the year (face-off 6pm).

Racers, undefeated in all SNL competitions, are red-hot favourites against Lynx, but have found it tough going against teams from the NIHL, losing all eight of their previous games in the round-robin competition.

Hand said: “Aberdeen have had some good results recently. They’ve picked up their performances after having a difficult start of the year, so we’re expecting a tough time. It’s a game where we’ll need to be switched on if we want the two points.

“Tomorrow will be tough against another of the NIHL sides but I’d like to think we’re a better team than when we played them earlier in the season.

“During the big home win against Kirkcaldy last week, there was a great atmosphere and the crowd really got behind us. It was a big help and hopefully it will be the same again tomorrow.”

Racers expect to give a debut to Rihards Grigors after the former Edinburgh Capitals defenceman signed for the club. The Latvian, whose younger brother Patriks already plays for Murrayfield, will add some experience to a young Racers blue-line. Hand added: “Grigors competes really well and plays a tough game. The big advantage for our team is his skating ability, he skates at a pro-level and will really come into his own in our league. I expect him to do really well for us.”