ICE hockey legend Steve Moria is sure of a hero's reception when he makes an emotional return to the giant ice pad at Blackburn Arena on Tuesday night.

The one-time Hawks ace is heading up an ice-hockey extravaganza to mark the Arena's 10th anniversary.

Super Steve, a former Great Britain captain currently with the Cardiff Devils, is undoubtedly the single biggest attraction for the showpiece fixture with a charity link.

Joining him for a night of nostalgia will be the likes of Jon Cotton, Simon Ferry, Jeff Daniels and Lee Cowmeadow and many many more stars from past decade.

The first ice hockey match ever in Blackburn was held at the Arena in January 1991.

To commemorate this special anniversary, the attractive all-star game is being run on a 'cost only' basis with an agreed amount of money from ticket sales being contributed to the NSPCC.

A limited number of 'Heroes' shirts have been produced for those players who can't make it to the game but still have a place in Blackburn history.

For example Oleg Sinkov will be so honoured as will Ryan Kummu. These shirts will also be auctioned.

Organiser Mike Cockayne believes a great night is in store: "It seems to have really captured the public's imagination, right back to the fans from the early days of the Blackhawks to the recent converts.

"It will be great to see so many popular players back in Blackburn."

Although the fortunes of the Arena side have fluctuated over the decade, Cockayne is equally proud that the Hawks team remains solidly in place in senior hockey. "Its been such a decade of change within the sport, new clubs have emerged but so many are no longer in existence. Blackburn has taken a sound ruote by playing at a financially viable level and all due credit to them for that."

The game faces off at 8pm with player introductions to the ice will commence at 7:45. Admission is just £5 per person -- the auction will take place in the Arena bar after the game.

Meanwhile, the current crop of Hawks have international opposition to warm them up tonight ahead of tomorrow night's play-off game.

A touring Canadian Navy side have thrown down a challenge for the Hawks, providing valuable ice time for players seeking to regain form after recent poor results. And tomorrow night, the Hawks play their penultimate play-off fixture, away at arch-rivals Altrincham Aces.

The disappointing double defeats by Billingham and Whitley Bay last weekend left player-coach Bobby Haig exasperated. Action can't come quick enough as he hopes to get the boys back on track.

"It was horrible, losing in the way we did," he said. "It's about time we got winning again. I am looking forward to these games."

The match with Altrincham will, as always, be keenly-contested as local pride is at stake. The Hawks will be particularly keen to put one over their rivals as a win will consign the Aces to last place in the Northern play-off group.

"They haven't beaten us yet this season," says Haig. "And we are determined not to let them tomorrow."

Neil Haworth will be missing from the Hawks' front-line as he is on international duty with England Under 19s. Both this weekend's fixtures face off at 6pm.