THE future of professional ice hockey in Blackburn seems safe despite widespread rumours that Blackburn Hawks are to fold.

But the whole structure of the game in Britain is due to be reviewed at national level next month with major changes likely.

Hawks, along with the vast majority of the country's ice hockey clubs, lose money year in and year out with heavy expenditure far out-weighing income from attendances and commercial activities. A spokesman at Blackburn Arena said: "We just don't know at this stage what the national plans are, so it is difficult to make comment. We will attend a meeting of all British Ice Hockey Association member clubs in early April to find out what's lined up."

Hawks owners, Peel Holdings, have consistently supported the club even though the sport only has a limited appeal in the town. Attendances at the home legs of the current promotion play-offs have been particularly disappointing.

The future of Canadian player-coach Ryan Kummu is also unclear.

Speculation suggests that the big defenceman could decide to concentrate on his business back home and won't be returning to England next season.

Alternatively he could look for a purely playing role somewhere. Kummu said: "It's too early for me to make any decisions on my plans, I have a lot of business matters to sort out back home and then intend to take a holiday somewhere warm.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the season here in Blackburn and my first shot at coaching.

"I think we can all agree it has been a successful season - I have been well satisfied by our performances and results overall."

Whether Kummu returns only time will tell but, again, everything would seem to rest on the proposed re-structuring within the BIHA and the cash implications.

"There is little doubt that the sport has reached a crossroads. Clubs like Humberside and Swindon have recently lost local authority backing, putting their futures in doubt.

The latest suggestion is that the current Premier League could extend to include an English First Division next season.

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