MYSTERY surrounds Canadian ice hockey star Adrian Lomonaco.

But it now seems certain that Lomonaco will not be involved in any of Lancashire Hawks' end-of-season play-offs which start tonight against Telford Tigers at the Arena (face off 8pm).

Lomonaco was granted compassionate leave in January after reports of his parents being involved in a car crash. At the time it was expected that he would be back in time for the play-offs. With fellow Canadian Jeff Daniels still struggling with his groin injury, it leaves Finnish Ismo Rokala with the full brunt of responsibility on his shoulders. Rokala has been Hawks' only active import for the last three weeks and he looks to be taking the burden into the eight play-off matches.

Hawks open up tonight bidding to put a disappointing league season behind them and stake a claim for a northern final in Hull next month. As well as Daniels, Hawks have doubts over defenceman Neil Abel and netminder Colin Downie. But time is fast running out - the unlucky Hawks likely to face putting out another depleted squad to face the might of the Tigers.

Defenceman Abel is still struggling with lace bit, while Daniels hasn't responded well to treatment. Both face late fitness tests. Hawks' dismal league form ended with a home defeat to Murrayfield Royals leaving them propping up the Northern League.

But they start with a clean slate tonight, keen to make amends in front of a fiercely loyal crowd.

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