IT'S showdown time at the Arena tonight as the Blackburn Hawks face up to the visit of arch-rivals, the Warriors of Whitley Bay in their second Ice Hockey League match of the new season.

Games against the crack North East outfit are always hard-fought -in very sense - but following a summer of restructuring, the challenge promises to be even sterner.

Hawks playmaker Bobby Haig commented: "They have strengthened their side with some very good signings. I think they will be the team to beat this year. If they play to form, then they will win the league.

"But, I believe you have to be positive. It's a tester, but if we play well positionally, then we could be in with a shout. "

The Hawks are with out forward Tony Melbourne, who is unavailable through work commitments and Wayne Whitby who is ill. Mark Brunton is also missing through injury.

Apart from them, Haig has a full complement to choose from as he prepares for a bruising encounter.

In their opening league match two weeks ago, the Hawks beat Sunderland in a tight struggle. Tonight's clash will not be for the faint-hearted, however, as they hope to build an unbeaten run.

I think our minder Colin Downey will be a busy man," said Hawks manager Keith Greenhalgh. "But who knows what will happen, we will certainly be going all out to beat them! " The game faces off at 6pm, the Arena doors open at 5.15pm.