YOUNG ice hockey starlet Danny Mackriel has provided ailing Lancashire Hawks with some much needed cheer.

The former Telford ace, who joined Hawks just before Christmas, has been called up for the Great Britain under 18 squad for the European championships to be held in Germany in April. The young forward will be involved in games against Germany, Denmark and Belarus.

Mackriel, who scored a wonder goal at the Arena against Paisley Pirates earlier this month, will turn his immediate thoughts to the pressing problem of helping Hawks in their play-off mission tomorrow night.

Hawks, who lost their opening play-off tie with Telford on Tuesday, entertain Cardiff Rage at the Arena (face off 6pm). The match is doubly important as it is worth four points to the winner.

Cardiff's failure to secure ice time for the scheduled home date with Hawks means that tomorrow's clash will count as a two in one affair.

Star import Jeff Daniels is hoping to be back in business after a month on the sidelines while Neil Abel, Colin Downie and Jim Pennycook will all need late fitness checks.

Hawks are without a fixture tonight but will be back in action on Tuesday with a tough trip to Fife. Incidentally, Fife's former Hawk Lee Cowmeadow has been named the Northern League's player of the week.

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