Billingham Wolves, Sunderland Tomahawks and Whitley Braves are all competing in North A Conference of English Under-19 League. Whitley Braves gained promotion last season from North B League after winning the league boasting a 100 per cent record.

Both Billingham and Sunderland did not have the best of seasons a year ago. The Teessiders finishing in the promotion/relegation play-off zone and retained their A League status by winning the play-off group. Sunderland completed their season in mid-table.

The North-East trio are one of eight teams in the A League and the others are Altrincham, Blackburn, Kingston, Nottingham and Sheffield.

An exciting start to the season sees Sunderland and Whitley Bay meeting on the first weekend of the season at Hillheads on September 1. The return at Sunderland's "home" rink of Newcastle Telewest Arena is on January 12. Billingham visit Sunderland on October 20 with Wolves entertaining their neighbours on December 8.

The Forum Ice Rink is currently closed due to refurbishment including a new ice pad and Billingham start with two away ties on September 1 and Altrincham seven days later. They complete September with two home matches against Blackburn and Nottingham on September 15 and 22 respectively.

* The Tees-Tyne Derby matches between Billingham and Whitley Bay come at the end of the regular season. The first coming on March 2 at Hillheads with Wolves completing the season three weeks later.