5:56pm Wednesday 10th February 2010
Blackburn Hawks bounced back from a third straight league defeat to record their biggest victory of the season in front of their home fans.
Hawks’ play-off push was dealt a blow when they lost 3-2 at Coventry Blaze in the English National Ice-Hockey League on Saturday, but they returned to winning ways in style with a 14-4 thrashing of Solihull Barons in the English Cup.
Hawks headed into the weekend after back-to-back defeats against Nottingham Lions and Sheffield Spartans, but in the knowledge that victory over Coventry would take them to within a point of fourth place.
However, they conceded two goals in the space of 14 seconds, with just three minutes on the clock.
The injury-hit Hawks, who were without four key players, battled back and reduced the arrears when Aaron Davies converted a power play.
Hawks continued to soak up the pressure and held out until the 31 minute, when the hosts added their third.
Hawks matched the Blaze shot-for-shot in the second period and managed to pull a goal back through Rick Hughes midway through the third, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to find an equaliser.
Sunday’s game was a much more straightforward affair, which emphasised the gulf in class between the teams in the top two northern divisions.
After Sam Dunford opened the scoring with just 18 seconds gone, there was no looking back.
Hawks added two more before the break, through Anthony Kinder and Karl Downey, plus another three early in the second period, through Matt Viney, Downey and Ryan O’Reilly, before Solihull eventually opened their account.
Hawks scored a seventh on a power play through Wayne Slater and a further seven goals were added in the romp.
Coach Gary Buckman said: “Saturday’s game was lost very early on. We weren’t ready for the onslaught.
“Sunday was a different game altogether. Solihull tried their best, but they aren’t the same Solihull of old.
“The difference in class, fitness and hitting ability between the two divisions really showed.”
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