BLACKBURN Hawks have a gilt-edged chance to bounce back into winning ways against two of the lower-placed teams this weekend after being humbled by Manchester Storm last week.

Hawks entertain Solihull Barons tonight at the Arena (face-off 6pm) before travelling north to face bottom side Murrayfield Royals tomorrow.

And Hawks despite seeing their chances of the League Division One title dwindle with four recent defeats, have one record intact that they're fiercely proud of and determined to keep up - they haven't lost two in a row all season.

"I think that says something about the character of these lads and the way we bounce back," said player-coach Ryan Kummu: "They were typically very hurt by Sunday's defeat - which boiled down to us just not having the depth of talent they had - and they're raring to get back to winning ways.

"That's the kind of attitude that's enabled us to have a decent season." Saturday's visit of Solihull is the trickier of the weekend double, but it would be a major shock if Hawks failed to complete four out of four wins over the Midlands outfit.

And shot-at Murrayfield conceded 42 goals in their two fixtures last week! "The Solihull game is the key to a successful weekend because they're by far the stronger of the teams we play," continued Kummu.

"We prepare for these games just the same as any other. I'm a very positive person and though I let the players know what's unacceptable, I don't dwell on a defeat.

"We're all still pretty upbeat and we're looking to win both nights."

Kummu pointed out that the first line Hawks skaters had more than held their own against Manchester, tying 3-3 during their time on the ice, but admitted that his side's strength in depth couldn't compete with Storm.

And with the last day for registering new signings less than a week away, the Canadian star hasn't given up hope of adding a couple of recruits: "We're pretty close to signing a couple of guys, but I absolutely can't name them until we get the deals done and dusted."

Hawks Supporters Association stage a race night at the Manxman Hotel on Wednesday, January 31 (admission £3, £2 members) and the venue is the same for the end-of-season Presentation Night on Wednesday, February 28 (£7 and £6).

Despite Hawks' loss of top spot, the local side are practically certainties for the Promotion Play-Offs, which start on Saturday, March 9 and climax on Sunday, March 24.

As the tables stand currently, second-placed Hawks would face the second bottom side in the Premier Division, Newcastle Warriors, at the first stage.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.