JARED Owen believes Blackburn Hawks will be in good hands with new player-coach Dan MacKriel.

Owen played his last game at the Blackburn Ice Arena on Saturday night to help the club celebrate its 25th anniversary with a game between current and former Hawks players.

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And he admitted MacKriel was the number one choice as his successor.

“There’s probably no-one else I would have wanted it to go to,” said Owen, who is retiring after five years with the club and on the back of a league and play-off double.

“His knowledge of the game is very good and I think he will bring good things to the team.

“The club knows him and he knows the club inside out having also had a spell here when he was younger.

“He’s passionate about Blackburn and wants them to achieve.

“He’s the right fit, and it’s the right time for both parties.”

The anniversary game was more about the occasion and less about the score, although almost everyone was a winner in a 14-7 win for the current Hawks as Owen was joined by Chris Arnone, Ollie Lomax and Luke and Adam Brittle in playing two quarters for either team, while Hawks’ legends also switched sides too.

After their successes in the league, Owen said it was a nice way to end his Hawks’ career.

“I had a long look around trying to take it all in when we played our last home game against Manchester Minotaurs. But when I had to pack my kit up and put it in the car to bring it home – which I haven’t done for ages – I realised I wouldn’t be coming back next year,” he said.

“There were over 1,000 there on Saturday and it seemed to be pretty well enjoyed by everyone.

“I enjoyed it. There was no pressure so I could just go out and enjoy the occasion and not worry about what the score was or having to coach anyone.”

He added: “I’ve played against some of the Hawks legends, but they were all before my time at the club,” said Owen.

“It was good fun to finish that way, although I had to go out last at the end for a presentation and make a bit of a speech which was a bit embarrassing. But in the 25th anniversary season and the year we’ve had it was a fitting end to it all.”