BLACKBURN Hawks begin the year full of confidence as they prepare for a weekend double header.

Jared Owen’s men endured a sluggish start to the campaign but a recent improvement in form has left the Hawks camp optimistic heading into tomorrow’s home clash with Whitley Warriors and Sunday’s trip to Billingham Stars.

The improved run of results means the Hawks are below only leaders Sutton Sting in the form table, and Jared Owen said the recent run has raised spirits among the players.

“It’s a great place to be at the moment, confidence is high and that’s very important,” he said.

“We had a bit of a rough spell in November but we’ve managed to pull together and turn it around so we go into the new year full of confidence.

“We should have beaten Whitley the last time we played them but if we play at the level I know we can then I am confident we can gain revenge.”

In the last meeting the Hawks surrendered a three-goal lead in the last nine minutes of the game to lose 4-3.

“It was not the nicest thing to have happened but we have to put it behind us and concentrate on moving up the table,” added Owen.

“We have a chance to move up at least one, maybe two places in the table if we can get a result so it’s important we take that chance.”

On Sunday, the Hawks travel to a Billingham side they have beaten in three of their five matches this season.

Owen added: “They will probably have a few more players available to them but I am sure we have the quality to go up there and win.

“We have won on their rink before and we are confident we have the road game to do it again.”

The game against Whitley Warriors at Blackburn Ice Arena is a 5.45pm start while Sunday’s game gets underway at 6.30pm.