Excitement is bubbling in the Blackburn Hawks camp as the ice hockey team move into the final third of the season with prizes very much in sight.

With just six English National Ice Hockey League game remaining, Hawks assistant manager Graham Lomax said: "A real sense of expectation is beginning to show in the squad.

"We are on a good run of form and with trophies up for grabs we have plenty to play for. We had two good wins last weekend when a couple of our main rivals slipped up.

"We thought we would have to do all the hard work, but they have given us a helping hand. However, we are not there yet so we need to keep working hard."

Hawks travel up to Solway Sharks for a Northern Crossover Cup game tonight and then head back to the Arena tomorrow for a League game with struggling Newcastle Vipers.

Hawks will have to carry on without the services of Peter Tapp, who has left the club to join the police force.

Despite performing well in the Crossover Cup so far, the assistant chief admits that it is third priority.

"We would like to win the Crossover Cup, but, to be honest, it's the last of our priorities. Our main concern is the League and then the English Cup.

"Tomorrow's game against Newcastle is a must win for us. We can't afford any slips."