BILLINGHAM Stars added the ENL One North play-off crown to their championship title with a 6-3 demolition of Blackburn Hawks at a sold-out TFM Ice Arena.
The Stars quickly overhauled a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in a bad-tempered opening session and went on to grind out a hard-fought win after encountering stubborn Blackburn resistance.
They struck early as Anthony Price broke the deadlock after four minutes and the Hawks had to bring on back-up goalkeeper Stuart Ashton after their starting netminder Danny Brittle was sent off for clashing with Billingham’s Andy Fletcher.
Home defender Richie Thornton was then ejected from the game for elbowing, but Billingham extended their lead after six minutes through Andy Finn.
A 2-0 lead became three early in the second period when Dave Thomas fired in a first-time shot from Mike Elder’s pass.
A third early exit saw Stars’ Martyn Davies thrown out of the game after his high sticks challenge on Finnish import Sami Narkia drew blood as the pair tangled on the boards.
And the resulting five-minute powerplay threw the Hawks a lifeline as they netted twice to draw level on aggregate.
The advantage swung back in Billingham’s favour with five minutes of the second period left as Scott Ward slotted their fourth of the night.
Tom King then stunned the noisy Billingham crowd as his shot looped in off James Flavell’s shoulder and tied the game 5-5 on aggregate going into the second break.
But the Stars held their nerve in a tense closing 20 minutes, with Adam Robinson scoring after a two-on-one breakaway and skipper Paul Windridge driving into an empty net to raise the Forum roof.
Stars coach Stephen Foster said the early goal proved instrumental as Billingham sealed a league and play-off double which he and coaching colleague Terry Ward always felt they were capable of.
“The early goal was our plan, because we couldn’t afford to have to start chasing the game, and it’s great to be double champions,” he said.
“At the start of the season myself and Terry talked and we were convinced we had the right blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm to go all the way in our first season.
“Everyone has played their part. The supporters have been awesome, the helpers who have made match nights a real success - it’s been a true team effort.”
Foster added: “We have our presentation evening next week, then we are going to have a break.
“Next season will see Scottish side Solway Sharks playing in our division after being promoted, and I am sure we will see some quality hockey.”
