BLACKBURN Hawks are to have a distinctly Scandinavian flavour in the forthcoming ice hockey season ... after signing two more top Swedes.

The double signing of defenceman John Goransson and centre ice Johan Englund comes on the back of Hawks capture of fellow countryman, forward Patrik Ferlander.

Goranson and Englund, both aged 23, arrive at the Arena this week having signed from Swedish outfit Ostersunds.

"I am delighted to have them on board," said manager Mike Cockayne. "We now have out three imports in place and we are gearing up nicely to the start of the new season."

Hawks have also swooped to land Bobby Haig - brother of ex-Blackburn skipper John - a highly experienced defenceman who played for both Paisley and Murrayfield last season. After a summer of comings and goings, including the departures of Steve Chartrand, Ryan Kummu, Oleg Sinkov, Jon Cotton and Haig, Hawks have now pieced their squad together for the new season which starts on September 14 at Fife.

Retained from last season are Paul Fleury, Jim Pennycook, Simon Mills, Lee Cowmeadow and Danny Higgins. More signings are expected within the new few days and Hawks, playing against an Aces side packed with imports, lost 11-6 in the first leg.

"Aces had the likes of Mark Stokes and Lee Land in the line-up and we had a very experimental squad. All in all we did well and we still have a chance in the return of what is an aggregate score match. I believe with the imports in place we can pull back the five goals" added Mr Cockayne.

Sunday's return at the Arena will face off at 6pm - the start time for all home matches during next season.

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