BLACKBURN Hawks moved one step closer to the first major trophy in their 22-year history after beating Whitley Warriors in their semi-final play-off.
Hawks booked their place in the English National Ice Hockey League North One final after defeating rivals Whitley 11-7 on aggregate.
The East Lancashire aces got off to the best possible start in their two-legged affair with a 5-3 first leg victory at a packed Blackburn Arena on Saturday evening.
At one point, Hawks were enjoying a 5-1 lead until their north east visitors pulled two goals back during the second period.
It all meant a tense second leg back at Whitley Bay last night.
But Hawks overcame any nerves by coming out on top again, winning 6-4.
They got off to a 2-0 start in the first period with goals from Tom King and Ric Hughes.
Sami Narkia added a third for Hawks at the beginning of the second period, before Whitley mounted a comeback.
However, Hawks always maintained a slender advantage over their hosts.
Hawks will take on either Billingham Stars or Telford Titans in the final.
Their semi-final is being played next weekend, with Telford at home on Saturday, with the return leg at Billingham 24 hours later.
Hawks finished third overall in the league table.
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