BLACKBURN Hawks could yet be facing opponents from 'down south' next season as the plan to regionalise British ice hockey skids from crisis to crisis.

The intention to run Northern and Southern Conferences faces the order of the boot and a move back to a National League format now looks increasingly likely.

Durham and Billingham have both withdrawn from the scheduled nine member club Northern Conference and there are doubts about the practicalities of Northern Ireland outfit Castle Reagh being able to take part.

"The whole thing is in turmoil," admitted Hawks manager Mike Cockayne. "We have an emergency meeting with officials of the British Ice Hockey Association next week to try and get something sorted out."

With the new season just a matter of weeks away - games start in early September - Hawks have not yet made a new signing. "I have spoken to the lads who were here last year and had talks with some potential targets, but nothing will be sorted until the league structure is decided.

"I have a good idea of the team I want to put out on the ice, but it really is a matter of waiting to see what happens next week. Hopefully we will have a clearer picture by then."

Durham has gone into liquidation while Billingham have announced that they are unable to get a squad together due to financial pressures.

A Northern Conference of seven teams would appear fairly meaningless and Hawks officials are desperately keen to ensure that a high and competitive level of ice hockey is maintained.

Hawks will also have to make a move on appointing a successor to last year's player-coach Ryan Kummu - experienced current star Jim Pennycook looking a prime contender.

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