BLACKBURN HAWKS face a tough double header home and away in league and cup this weekend.

On Saturday they are seeking a hat-trick of English League wins with the toughest of tasks at home to table-toppers Sheffield Scimitars.

Then 24 hours later it's south to Cheshire to face arch-rivals Altrincham Aces in the opening round of this season's English Cup.

After successive home victories over Bradford and Whitley Bay in the English National Ice Hockey League, Hawks coach Bobby Haig is hoping to clinch a hat-trick in the 'Roses' showdown with the Scimitars - but admits it won't be easy.

"We beat them last year, but they have won four games on the trot and we will have to be at our best," said Haig.

"Being at home helps with the confidence and we should be at full strength for Saturday.

"They have strengthened their squad in the summer and will be difficult to beat. Las Millie, a Kirkcaldy lad like me, has joined.

He has British and Superleague pedigree. And former Hawk Neil Able is in the ranks, we'll be looking out for him. It should be an interesting game."

Sunday's game at the Altrincham rink should also prove a testing challenge.

Haig says: "The Aces always raise their game against us. They are well-disciplined and well-organised. You know you have been in a game when you play at Altrincham."

The Hawks will be without any Under 19 reinforcements for the cup-tie as they have a fixture in Nottingham.

Face-off against Sheffield at Blackburn Arena on Saturday is at 6pm. Doors open at 5.15pm. Sunday's cup-tie in Altrincham starts at 5.30pm.