BLACKBURN Hawks today fulfilled their promise to bring top British players to the Arena with a startling double swoop, writes Paul Agnew.

Neil Abel, a defenceman from crack outfit Sheffield Steelers and former Manchester Storm netminder Colin Downie have agreed deals and will join the Hawks squad for this weekend's double header.

"Neil and Colin are two experienced and talented players who have performed at the highest level - we are delighted to have secured them both for the season," says Hawks manager Mike Cockayne.

But while two new faces have arrived, one familiar face is leaving, long-serving Lee Cowmeadow has decided to team up with former Hawks star John Haig and Oleg Sinkov at Kingston Hawks.

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