BLACKBURN Hawks are table-toppers - and that's official!

Another marvellous performance at Solihull last night saw the soaraway Hawks chalk up a 9-0 victory and go top of the British Ice Hockey League First Division for the first time in their history.

Hawks stand proudly clear on goal difference from Dumfries - with a game in hand.

The old Blackburn Blackhawks did actually go top - for a day! - about four years ago, but this still represents a little bit of history for the local side.

Last night's convincing success was Hawks' fifth win in seven starts - and they didn't event require the scoring prowess of star striker Oleg Sinkov.

For the first time since arriving at Hawks Sinkov failed to find the net.

But it made little difference with the goals shared between five players and even injuries to Simon Mills (broken wrist) and Russ Plant (damaged shoulder) couldn't dampen Hawks' spirits.

Manager Mike Cockayne, clearly thrilled by his team's start, said: " Considering all the chances that took place during the close season, it's a remarkable achievement and one we are very proud it."

Hawks took the first period 2-0, battered the Barons 6-0 in the second and completed the rout with a single goal success in the third.

The scoresheet read: Jim Pennycook 2 + 2, Steve Chartrand 2 + 1, John Haig 2 + 3, Ryan Kummu 2 + 2, Oleg Sinkov 0 + 3, Lee Cowmeadow 0 + 2, Robin Davison 1 + 1, Jon Cotton 0 + 2.

**Brian Wilkie, the Bracknell Bees player injured during Sunday's clash with Hawks at the Arena, is understood to be well on the way to recovery. Wilkie was stretchered from the ice during the second period and taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, but has since returned home to rest.

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