(Image permission: Steve Pollitt)
LANCASHIRE, UK – Blackburn Hawks face a big test of their league and cup ambitions this weekend as they play two difficult looking games.
The Hawks visit unbeaten Telford Tigers in Moralee D1 on Saturday, before returning to home ice the following day to meet Solway Sharks in the NIHL National Cup.
It’s been an impressive start to the season for Blackburn, having recorded six wins from eight games in both competitions, and forward Lee Pollitt is confident the team can pick up two more victories this weekend.
“With only one loss to Sheffield (Steeldogs) in the league, we’re in second place and happy with the way we’ve started,” said Pollitt.
“Beating the Pirates I think shocked a lot of people, but we’re heading into every game knowing we can win.
“With Duncs (Steven Duncombe) being given the chance to pick his own team this year we’ve got plenty of depth – a good mix of youth and experience and we’re looking to upset a lot of teams.
“I think I had a bit of a slow start this season. After a long off-season and getting over a few small injuries, I’m starting to get back into it and contributing again. It’s great to be back in Blackburn and with a bigger role this year.
“This weekend we’ve got two tough games, starting off Saturday in Telford and at home to Solway on Sunday.
“Both are very tough teams, but after a good practice on Thursday we’ve got our game plan mapped out and we’re ready to take four points from the weekend.”
Altrincham Aces travel to Widnes Wild on Sunday aiming to leapfrog their rivals at the top of Laidler D2.
Both sides boast 100% records going into the fixture, although Altrincham have played a game less than the current league leaders.
Aces’ forward Jake Nurse enjoyed a productive time of things last weekend, scoring six goals over two games. He says the atmosphere around the club is extremely positive at the moment.
“We are really happy with the way we have started the season.” he said. “With some new faces in the squad to have an undefeated September is exactly where we wanted to be.
“We’ve also faced adversity in some of the games we’ve played and have shown character to still come out with the win.
“It has been a positive start to the season, not just for the Aces but the Manchester Storm Academy and the Storm themselves – there is a real buzz around the rink. With the gaps being bridged between age groups, we iced a very talented U18 player against Deeside last weekend.
“We know the challenge we face on Sunday and are fully prepared for a battle. As always, it will be a great advertisement for our league.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Sheffield Steeldogs v Billingham Stars
Solway Sharks v Solihull Barons
Telford Tigers v Blackburn Hawks
Sunday
Hull Pirates v Billingham Stars
Solihull Barons v Nottingham Lions
Whitley Warriors v Telford Tigers
Laidler D2
Saturday
Deeside Dragons 2 v Telford Tigers 2
Hull Jets v Sheffield Senators
Sunday
Deeside Dragons 2 v Coventry Blaze NIHL
Sutton Sting v Bradford Bulldogs
Telford Tigers 2 v Blackburn Hawks 2
Widnes Wild v Altrincham Aces
NIHL National Cup
Saturday
Peterborough Phantoms v Hull Pirates
Sunday
Blackburn Hawks v Solway Sharks
NIHL Autumn Cup
Sheffield Steeldogs v Peterborough Phantoms
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