ICE HOCKEY: BLACKBURN Hawks' player-coach Bobby Haig knows how important it is to bounce back after a defeat -- and Wednesday's reverse in the Christmas Cup was a real kipper.

A 12-0 defeat at Kingston is not the best way to prepare for a weekend which could make or break Blackburn Hawks -- with two wins and two defeats in the English Premier League, Haig knows that nothing less than a win will do this weekend.

But he knows it will be an uphill task all the way.

Haig still has major injury headaches ahead of tonight's trip to Wightlink (face off 5.30pm) and several top stars will face last minute fitness tests in the Isle of Wight.

Hitman Andrew Dickson, who has sat the last fortnight out with a back strain, was back in light training this week and will travel with the squad. Likewise will Kevin Doherty (knee) and Bobby Haig (dead leg), who played through the pain barrier in midweek.

Hawks stalwart Tim Dempsey is also doubtful with concussion following a clash at the Arena last weekend and will attend only on medical advice. "It's a vital weekend for us, but then every game is tough," says Haig. "Nobody said we'd have an easy ride in this league, and just lately we've had a bad run and have suffered with injury. "But that's no excuse. We're a team, and we play as a team, and that's how we'll win."

Hawks have already smashed 20 goals past Wightlink in two games this season, but Sunday's home game against Milton Keynes (face off 6pm) is a different matter entirely.

Former Hawks star Neil Abel will relish the opportunity to put one over on the Hawks on his old stomping ground, and his former flatmate is all out for revenge after a defeat at the Buckinghamshire rink.

And if anything is going to boost the passions of both team and supporters it's a confidence boosting win in front of their home crowd. "We've already seen some classics at the Arena this season, and this one is a mouthwatering prospect.

"We've yet to entertain them at the Arena, but they're a dangerous side. They'll have a lot of National League players on the ice, and I know Neil will be hungry for the points, but we're more than ready for them."

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