BOBBY Haig has a pre-season pledge for Blackburn Hawks' loyal ice hockey fans.

On the eve of the new campaign the player coach promises the hardcore fans a reward for sticking with his men through the turbulent 1999 season by going all out to ride high in their home arena's anniversary year.

And after a 3-1 home challenge victory against Flintshire Freeze last Saturday, and an even more convincing away 12-5 win against the same opponents the following day, it could well be a whole new beginning for Hawks tomorrow in the first English National League fixture (face off 6pm).

"I don't want to be over-confident or promise the earth, particularly as we are facing Billingham, favourites to win the English National League for a second year.

"But the fact is that we owe the people who have stuck by us and we want to deliver this season," said Haig.

"Fans are delighted that Gordon Whyte is back with us and with Michael Brunton we have brought in a good mixture of experience and youthful speed from my old club Dumfries."

Add in Chris Cheadle, an ex-youth development graduate coming home to Blackburn after narrowly missing being picked for England U19s during his time with Kingston, and fellow forward Michael Kershaw, from Bradford, there is clear evidence of a revamped squad at Haig's disposal.

But for tomorrow's clash they will likely be without main marksman Don Mackriel, who has sustained a hamstring injury, a loss which will further test the new boys' capabilities.