JEFF DANIELS has boomed a warning for Kingston Hawks: "Watch out - we're stronger, faster and better than before."

Lancashire Hawks' star Canadian frontman isn't fazed by the fact that his side face up to the team tipped to finish top of the heap in ice hockey's Northern Premier League.

Hawks have iced up against their Humberside namesakes twice before this season - and lost twice - but Jeff warns that this time it won't be such an easy ride.

"They'll find us a different team this time around. We're getting better and better with every game we play, and we'll continue to do so.

"Things are starting to come together well and I am enjoying it here."

And manager Mike Cockayne couldn't agree more.

"Kingston had a terrific start and were undefeated in the Autumn Trophy, but we've more than caught up with them.

"They had an instant advantage over the rest of the league because they'd already been together for a few weeks before the season got underway and we were all playing catch up.

"But we've come together as a team since then and there's more of a level playing field - they've lost a few games in the last few weeks, and we've become stronger. It should be a great clash."

Hawks will face up to the Northern Premier league newcomers at the Arena tonight (Saturday) (face off 6pm) and in Hull tomorrow (5.30pm). Playing at home on Saturday is something of a novelty for Hawks - Blackburn's traditional hockey night has always been on Sunday - but Mr Cockayne is glad of the chance to get some points in the bag before the trip to Hull on Sunday.

"We'll be looking for a win on Saturday in front of our home crowd to put us in a positive frame of mind for Sunday's game.

"With our supporters behind us I'm sure we'll be able to pull off a two-pointer, and it'll make us all the more dangerous on Sunday when we make the trip to the East coast."

Hawks will be boosted by a rare lull in injury headaches. Hawks have almost a full squad of players after an unlucky early season crisis - and they're raring to let rip against Kingston.

Simon Mills, last season's player of the year, made a successful re-entry to the fray last weekend after suffering a broken foot and will be keen to make his mark back on the ice, and defenceman Mike Pynnonen has fully recovered from a groin strain picked up a fortnight ago.

But Hawks still have doubts over player-coach Jim Pennycook (groin) and young gun Craig Sharman.

"Jim is still struggling with a troublesome strain and is doubtful for the trip," said Mr Cockayne.

"Craig has been back in the squad for a couple of weeks now after breaking his wrist early in the season, but he had some pain with it last weekend so he'll only play subject to a late fitness test.

"It's just a case of building his strength back up after the break, but we won't risk him if it's causing him any trouble."

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