BLACKBURN Hawks could be without a couple of key players for this weekend’s double-header against Flintshire Freeze.

The town’s ice hockey stars face their local rivals at the Arena tonight (face-off 5.45pm), before travelling down the M56 for tomorrow’s return match.

But general manager Andy Slater may have to do without both Craig Rogers and Anthony Kinder after the duo picked up injuries in last weekend’s bruising defeat away to Billingham.

“Craig injured his hand and had to come off last weekend, so is doubtful to play,” said Slater. “Anthony has damaged the tendons and ligaments in his ankle, so he will be out for a few weeks at least.

“Anthony’s absence means we have had to rethink the lines and game strategy a little bit, but we’ve got a big bench to choose from and have practiced the new set-up in training, so we should be ok.”

Hawks have a good record against the ‘Frosties’ and they will be hoping it continues after a run of five straight defeats.

“We stand a good chance of winning both games,” added Slater. “Flintshire have not taken any points off us for the last three years and although they have strengthened their side, I think we will prove more than a match for them.

“As a team, we’ve had a tough start to the season, but I was encouraged by the way the lads performed last Sunday.

“We were in the lead for at least half the match and it was injuries and a few unlucky goals that cost us in the end.

“I just hope the fans will turn out in force for tonight’s game and give us some vocal support in our fight to turn things around.”