3:02pm Tuesday 12th January 2010
A GROUP of current and former Blackburn Hawks players practised their skills on a frozen pond at the weekend.
Up to 15 players stepped on to the ice off Stanhill Road, Stanhill, at the weekend.
Although the pond is thought to be only two ft deep, police warned that it was still dangerous and such games ‘could end in tragedy’.
Former Hawks player Ian McDade, who took part in both games, said: “We have not been able to play on it for 15 years until last weekend. We waited until the weather had been cold for a long spell and knew that the ice was thick enough.
“We tested the ice with the heels of our skates to make sure it was as thick was we thought.
“It was great being able to skate outdoors. We were out on the ice for about three hours each day.
“We are not stupid. We would not have put ourselves in danger by playing on a lake or a canal.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire police, which yesterday issued a warning after teenage boys were caught playing football on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, said: “We would advise people not to attempt to walk or take part in any sport on frozen lakes, ponds or canals.
"It is potentially very dangerous and should anyone fall through the ice hypothermia could set in quickly.”
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