LUKE Brittle says winning the play-offs to complete the double for Blackburn Hawks would surpass winning the league for the first time in the club’s 25-year history.

Hawks romped to the National Ice Hockey League Moralee Division One title as early as February, with four games to spare.

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Going through the entire campaign unbeaten – winning 21 and drawing three - the next challenge awaiting them is April’s play-off weekend in Dumfries.

Following Sheffield Spartans’ 7-1 win over Sutton Sting at the weekend, it has now been confirmed that the Hawks will face the Steel City side – the team they beat to be crowned champions in February - in the semi-final on April 11.

And Brittle, one of three brothers playing for Hawks this season, says it would be a devastating blow if they fell at the last hurdle.

“It would be nice to do the double,” he said.

“Everyone at the club would be a bit disappointed if we didn’t.

“If we don’t turn up for the one of the games then we could blow it.

“We have raised expectations because of the season that we have had. But as long as we turn up with our best game, as we’ve shown all season we will be fine.”

Having been long-term favourites to win the title, such was their blistering start to the season, Brittle admitted getting over the line two months ago felt like an anti-climax, particularly because they had to wait a further two weeks before getting their hands on the trophy.

“Winning the league was a bit weird,” the 21-year-old admitted.

“We never took anyone for granted but going into the game against Sheffield, with four games of the season left, and the trophy wasn’t there – it was strange.”

Brittle, who won the play-offs with Chelmsford last season, added: “The play-offs are the big one.

“The play-offs are all on the line over two days.

“I think it feels better than winning the title. The league is a marathon and it will be nice to have that sprint finish.”

It has already been a dream season for Brittle having teamed up with brothers Adam and Daniel in his first campaign with the Hawks.

He has topped the league’s player records, with 35 goals and 36 assists leaving him with a total of 71 points – two ahead of Adam.

“I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m pretty pleased with it,” he said.

“Three of us are in the top four. And Chris (Arnone) at the back is fifth in the stats.

“It’s helped being on a line with Adam and Jared (Owen).

“Our line is really attack minded, which has been nice because that’s my strongest asset, going forward. I’m not the best defender.”

While the focus is on next month’s play-offs, the club already have an eye on next season and the squad they will need to defend their title.

It has already been announced that player-coach Owen will step down after five years.

And while Brittle expects the bulk of the squad to stay together, he is not yet sure if he will be part of it as he considers the option to study overseas at the end of his degree in business and marketing.

“I’m thinking about having a year in Madrid to do post-graduate study,” said Brittle, who is in his fourth year at Coventry University.

“But if I’m in England I will be playing for Hawks.”