COLIN Downie is set for an unhappy New Year after injuring a hamstring in Hawks' 4-3 win over Sunderland on Sunday.

The Hawks netminder will be out of action for two to three weeks, meaning he could miss the first weekend of the new Millennium, including games against Flintshire and Nottingham.

Downie pulled up midway through the second period against the Chiefs after turning awkwardly making a save. Sunderland even managed to pull a goal back before he was eventually replaced by Robbie Smith.

Downie was clearly in a lot of pain as he struggled to leave the ice, Sunderland had even managed to steal a goal while the keeper was trying to signal to the bench that he needed to come off.

Downie is now hoping for an injury-free New Year in order to return to action against Flintshire on January 8.

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