Blackburn Hawks endured mixed fortunes on the resumption of their ice hockey campaign, losing to Paisley Pirates and then crushing Kingston Jets in a double header of cup action.

Hawks suffered a disappointing 8-2 away defeat on Saturday in their first game of 2006, but made up for the setback by thumping Kingston 9-4 the following night at the Arena.

After a two-week break Hawks were back and raring to go and certainly didn't anticipate coming away empty-handed from their Northern Crossover Cup tie in Scotland.

"We were level until the end of the first period," said assistant manager Graham Lomax. "They then nicked one and it led to a poor second period from our point of view.

"The lads did okay, but we had eight or nine players missing for one reason or another, so it was always going to be tough. However, we still thought we could win so to lose was disappointing.

"It is a long way up to Paisley and I think the journey took it out of us a bit although perhaps that is looking for excuses.

"We had to draft in a few under 19's, but we didn't have the strength in depth we usually boast.

"The Kingston game was much more pleasing. The lads still looked tired from the previous night, but we got the important thing - the result. Kingston are a young team that skate hard, but in the end our experience shone through."

Bob Chalmers netted both Hawks' goals at Paisley and then netted four times in the defeat of Kingston, Bobby Haig (2), Michael Brunton, Scott Barnett and Anthony Kinder also finding the mark.

Despite the opening of the transfer window, Lomax insists that Hawks already have a capable squad: "The window stays open until the end of the month, but I don't think we will be bringing in any new players just yet. We need to have a sit down and decide if there is a need to make any additions to the squad."