Blackburn Hawks set for play-off dress rehearsal (From This Is Lancashire)

Blackburn Hawks set for play-off dress rehearsal

12:00pm Saturday 14th March 2009 in

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BLACKBURN Hawks’ general manager Andy Slater has urged his players to use tonight’s game with Coventry Blaze as a dress rehearsal for the end-of-season play-offs.

Hawks face a two-legged play-off against Manchester Phoenix next weekend, knowing an aggregate defeat would relegate them to the Second Division of the English National Ice-Hockey League (North).

Therefore, this evening’s match against the high-flying Blaze presents the Hawks with one last chance to work on some of their weaknesses before the ‘do or die’ encounter which will decide their fate.

“It’s not so much the result that matters, it’s more about how we play,” said Slater.

“If we can go out and give a good performance then hopefully we can build on that in the play-offs.

“The lads are a bit down at the moment. Unfortunately some of the results we had earlier in the season have ended up costing us, but that’s history now and we’ve got to move on.

“The reality is we are in the play-offs and we’ve now got to go out there and make sure we stay in the First Division.”

Determined to secure the win they need to claim a place in the top four, Blaze are billing tonight’s game at the Skydome as the ‘biggest in their short history’.

They are currently locked in a battle with Billingham Bombers for the final play-off spot at the top end of the table, and need to gain a better result against Hawks than the Bombers achieve in their final match with Whitley Bay tomorrow to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Slater said: “It’s a big game for them so they are going to be up for it. The end-of season play-offs are also being held at Coventry so they’re desperate to be involved in it.”

To add further spice to tonight’s occasion, Hawks’ Les Millie returns to face his former club.