Hawks missing key duo

3:49pm Saturday 16th February 2008

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BLACKBURN Hawks look likely to be without two key players for a league and cup double this weekend.

Hawks host Sheffield Spartans in the English National Ice Hockey League this evening, before travelling to Whitley Bay for an English Cup tie tomorrow night.

Missing from the squad will be Ollie Lomax, who is away on holiday, whilst Lance Derbyshire is doubtful after undergoing an operation on his nose, which he broke in an accidental collision with a team-mate a few weeks ago.

Despite the absentees, general manager Konrad Tapp is hopeful his side can make it fourth time lucky when the Spartans visit the Blackburn Arena tonight (face-off 5.45pm).

"It is a very important game against Sheffield tonight," he said. "We are fourth in the table, just a point behind Newcastle, and if we win, then we'll have a good chance of getting into the play-offs at the end of the season.

"We only have one home game and one away game after this, so we'll be looking to pick up maximum points.

"We've played them three times already this season, losing twice and drawing the other 4-4. So we're well aware that they are a good, strong side.

"But the Hawks have been doing well over the last few weekends and they'll be up for the challenge. I'm sure they'll give them a good game and hopefully come away with the win.

"Ice hockey is a great family sport and we would welcome all the extra support we can get. The admission fee for two hours of guaranteed entertainment at the rink is £5 for a single ticket and £13.50 for a family ticket, which includes two adults and two children."

Sunday's cup clash against the Warriors however is expected to be a more straightforward affair.

"Whitley are a young side and we beat them 10-0 at home, so we are confident of victory again," added Tapp.