As summer fades and the grey skies return, there’s one thing Blackburn fans can celebrate—the long-awaited return of Hawks ice hockey. It had been 140 days since the Blackburn Hawks last stepped foot onto the ice, and the Hawks Nest was buzzing for a Saturday night clash against an unfamiliar Solway Sharks ‘Select’ side, packed with talent from both their National League and SNL teams. Alongside a strong core of returning players, Blackburn unveiled six new summer signings, debuting in the club’s sharp new 2025/26 jerseys. Running the bench for the Hawks was Darren Wilson, as Head coach Dom Osman had the rare experience of joining the crowd, serving a carry-over penalty from last season by watching the action shoulder-to-shoulder with Hawks fans in the stands. It only added to the excitement as Blackburn’s faithful packed in for their first taste of live hockey this season and an early glimpse at a raring and refreshed roster.

Though technically a pre-season ‘friendly’, any notion that this contest would be amicable would be proven wrong at puck drop. A physical first period saw both teams handing out heavy hits, each eager to land the opening blow. Harrison Walker looked sharp on his second ‘debut’ for the Hawks, turning away early efforts. While at the other end the home side edged ever closer to breaking the deadlock. Just before the period hit the halfway mark, Luke Watson played through a pinpoint pass to Jacob Lutwyche, who fired a rocket over the shoulder of National League stalwart Jordan Marr. The forward’s effort was so potent it ripped a hole through the netting causing confusion for fans and officials alike. After a quick review, the goal was given – making Jacob Lutwyche the season-opening scorer. The Sharks bit back before the intermission. A late penalty to new Hawks captain Andy McKinney handed Solway a man advantage, and they made it count, with Glasgow Clan prospect Kyle Carruth feeding Lewis Young alone in front to level the scores.

A strong start for Blackburn spurred on the team as they re-emerged for the second period. Solway piled on the pressure in the Hawks’ zone, but the new defensive pairing of Tom Barry and Cade King dealt with the threat with composure. The end-to-end nature of the game really came to light in this period – with three goals being scored in less than two minutes. Lewis Young struck first for the Sharks, putting them back ahead, only for Blackburn captain Andy McKinney to rally his side immediately. A perfectly timed pass found Adam Barnes, who roofed his shot to level the score at 2-2. The equaliser excited all in attendance at the Hawks Nest, however these celebrations were almost instantly tempered as Kyle Carruth assisted Lewis Young yet again, with this hattrick goal restoring Solway’s lead heading into the third period.

The final period of the first game of the season was set-up for a nail-biting finish. The crowd inside the Hawks Nest were in full force going into the final twenty minutes. Alongside the ever-impressive Hawks fans were a strong travelling contingent of Solway supporters who did their side proud after the long journey across the border. The vocal visitors were given another goal to celebrate just four minutes into the period as Jordan Buesa scored his first goal for the Sharks since his summer move from Leeds Knights. Undeterred, the Hawks hit back just over a minute later as James Riddoch created a strong offensive opportunity, in which the rebound was converted by Jacob Lutwyche for his second of the game.

With only one goal in the game, the first period physicality reared its head during the final throes of the fixture. Hawks Captain Andy McKinney took issue with Jake Bolton, in a battle which had been brewing all game. Whilst the two former Guildford Flames were denied a chance of pre-season prize-fighting, McKinney did bait the Shark into an unsportsmanlike penalty. Though Blackburn’s powerplay went without a goal, the Sharks managed to score with the man advantage after James Riddoch was called for Slashing. Scott Henderson’s sole strike of the game ended the scoring on the night, with the Scots taking home a 5-3 win.

Though a strange sight to see the Hawks not get the win at home, the mood was positive after such an impressive performance against tough opposition. Blackburn held their own against National League opposition, with even some of the travelling Solway fans noting their respect for the home side. After this short but sweet pre-season showing, the 2025/26 season officially starts next weekend with a visit from our white rose rivals, Leeds Knights II. Building on last season’s strong campaign and bolstered by clear progress over the summer, expectations for this Blackburn Hawks season are certainly sky high…

 

 

The Blackburn Hawks will play against the Leeds Knights II @ Blackburn Arena on Sunday September 7th, Face-Off: 6:00pm

 

Article Courtesy of Nathan Dove

FEATURED IMAGES CREDIT:  Steve Pollitt