Blackburn Hawks will re-light an old ice hockey rivalry on Sunday when Manchester Phoenix drop in to the Arena.

Hawks have not faced neighbours Phoenix since they disbanded over five years ago.

However, the Manchester side are back in the big time and Hawks general manager Graham Lomax is excited about renewing the rivalry in the English National League fixture (face-off 5.45pm).

"It is great to have them back in business," said Lomax. "We haven't played them for some time so it will be good to battle it out again.

"We have started well in the league, winning two of our three games, and hopefully we can add another victory to that. The defence is playing very well at the moment, we are not conceding many goals at all."

Lomax believes his side have what it takes to beat Manchester, but admits they are struggling to put their best side out.

"For one reason or another we are struggling to get our best team together.

"Key players Chris Arnone, Harry Hall and Lance Derbyshire are all unavailable, which is a blow.

"People are either on holiday or have other commitments so it is difficult for us.

"However, I still feel we can put together a side capable of getting a positive result against Manchester."

So far in the league this season, Hawks have already beaten Lancashire Raptors twice and lost narrowly last weekend to Nottingham Lions.