LANCASHIRE Hawks get down to the "real business" tomorrow night - with hopes high and a few lessons learned.

Hawks take flight at Murrayfield as the new-look ice hockey league structure takes hold after a month of warm-up fixtures.

Manager Mike Cockayne, although plagued with injury problems, believes his side can emerge as a force despite an in-and-out sort of start.

"The Autumn Trophy has given us a chance to sharpen up before two-tiered Northern Premier and National Leagues kick in," says Mr Cockayne.

"Last Sunday against Fife I think we finally found our stride and things started happening for us on the ice. It always takes time to blend players together, especially when all your imports are new, but we've had the opportunity to experiment and we're raring to go."

Hawks have one final opportunity to fine tune tonight when they ice up against Altrincham Aces in a challenge clash at the Arena (face-off 6pm). Hawks doled out a 12-5 mauling last time the English League side visited town, and they'll be looking for a confidence-boosting win ahead of Sunday's game.

With Simon Mills and Craig Sharman missing through respective foot and wrist injuries, Hawks will be looking for new overseas star Jeff Daniel to take the leading role. Jeff Daniels, whose magnificent hat-trick display last weekend took Hawks within an inch of sealing the game against Fife, is looking a shrewd acquisition.

The new league system sees Hawks ice in two different divisions, running in tandem.

As well as the Northern Premier, they will take on several southern-based clubs in the National League including Peterborough, Slough and Guildford.

"It's an interesting new format and it means that there will be more variety in the teams we face.

"That is not only good for the players, but it creates extra interest for the supporters.

"We have a lot of games ahead of us and we are keen to show ourselves to be up for the test.

"The nucleus of the side is strong and if we can get the imports firing every single game, then we should be fine."

Hawks hold something of a psychological advantage over the men from Murrayfield, having already won there this season in the Autumn Trophy.

"We've been there and beaten them once - why not again?" added Mr Cockayne.

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