Hawks all set for double (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Hawks all set for double

1:40pm Saturday 1st October 2011 in Ice Hockey

Blackburn Hawks face their first double header of the season this weekend, when they will be hoping to stretch their two-match winning streak.

Hawks face local rivals Trafford Metros in the English National Ice-Hockey League in Altrincham later today, before travelling up to Whitley Warriors in the ENL North Cup tomorrow night.

Trafford are currently top of the table, but Hawks manager Graham Lomax is confident his charges can claim a positive result.

“Trafford got off to a flyer, winning their first four games, but they have lost their last two, so they are a bit of an unknown quantity,” he said.

“It is a local derby, so it always has an edge to it. We trained well on Thursday night and the lads are fit and raring to go.

“Trafford have lost some decent players, including Brian Worrall and Jordan Bannon, who are now playing for us, so that should add some extra spice to the proceedings.

“It is always a difficult venue to go to, but we are in good spirits and we are confident we can come away with the win.”

Tomorrow, Hawks travel to Whitley Bay for their first cup encounter of the season.

The Warriors have played twice in the cup competition so far – winning one and losing one to Solway Sharks – but Lomax has played down the importance of the fixture.

“Saturday is the big one,” he added.

“Whitley are last year’s league winners, but they have lost a few players and are a bit depleted this season.

“It would be great to go up there and get a win for the first time in as long as I can remember.”

Scott Glover will miss today’s game due to family commitments, but Hawks will be back to full strength for tomorrow’s trip to the North East.