THE co-organiser of Tuesday night's 10-year anniversary ice hockey game at Blackburn Arena, Mike Cockayne, is delighted with the plans now in place.

"Everything has come together very well, not just the players giving up time to come back to Lancashire for the game, but also the response of the supporters. This event really seems to have caught their imagination," Cockayne said.

"Right from the fans from the early days of the Blackhawks to the recent converts, it seems everybody wants to be there on the night to see so many of their favourite ex-players."

With regard to the players, Cockayne is almost making daily checks on injuries and availability.

"We seem to have been lucky so far with no-one as yet sidelined. If the players still in action can get through this coming weekend unscathed we should be OK."

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.

"It has been such a decade of change within the sport, new clubs have emerged but so many are no longer in existence or have followed the same path as Blackburn, now playing at a financially viable level."

With regard to the night's surprise guests, the co-organiser remains coy.

"Obviously it would have been great to have the ability to pick up a telephone and invite back a few of the players now playing abroad and designated Hawks' heroes.

"But most have on-going commitments with their current clubs and that maks it very hard. However, we will have a few surprises on the night, not necessarily players who have been integral in Blackburn's history but have made huge contributions to the sport itself in recent years."

The game faces off at 8pm and player introductions to the ice will bedin at 7.45. Admission is just £5 per person, with proceeds from the night going to the NSPCC.