BLACKBURN Hawks forward Ric Hughes believes the fear factor will be in his side’s favour on Sunday night for what he describes as “the biggest match of my career”.

Hawks entertain English National Ice Hockey League North 1 champions Billingham Stars at the Blackburn Arena in the play-off final first leg – looking to end their 22-year pursuit of silverware.

North east outfit Billingham will enter the clash as favourites having romped to the title this season but Hughes, 26, believes Hawks’ winning end to the season will have their visitors scared.

He said: “We had a great second half of the season. Billingham had a bad second half of the season so going into this game they will be scared of us more than we are scared of them.

“For the players, we are so close as a team. A lot of teams are separated, we are not separated, we all go out for a drink together, have a pint together and are very close friends.

“That helps for this weekend. I would say we are the closest team in the league and that is a benefit to us. Other teams are not as close as us but you have to be a team, you have to be one on the ice.”

Mancunian Hughes has been somewhat of a journeyman during his ice hockey career, including a spell as a professional at Romford.

But, now in his third year with the Hawks, he has never felt more at home and is relishing the chance to make history as the club look for their first ever trophy.

Hughes said: “This is the biggest game I have ever played in. I have been playing since the age of 11 and this is the first play-off final I have ever come across and could be the only one I come across. I am looking forward to it and hope we can bring back the silverware.”