Hawks doubt ICE HOCKEY: Blackburn Hawks are a player down for their showdown against Invicta at the Arena on Saturday - and their injury woes could be set to double.

Veteran defenceman Jimmy Pennycook is out of action with recurring back trouble, while player-coach Bobby Haig sweats over the progress of netminder Barry Hollyhead after a freak neck injury floored the player in training.

Former player-coach Pennycook will certainly miss out - and could face a further agonising month on the treatment table.

He hasn't figured since he suffered a back injury a fortnight ago and, after complications, the erstwhile defenceman will watch from the stands.

Hollyhead's absence would be more damning. Since the departure of Colin Downie, Hollyhead is the only senior goalie left.

Arena officials believe his fitness is a day-to-day situation, but they are confident he will come through an 11th hour fitness test.

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