Block 12 Backcheck

Two wins from eight games. Not the greatest ever run in the history of Blackburn Hawks.

With the UK gripped by snow pre-Christmas, the Hawks only managed a Scottish double header during December.

A caning at Fife was somehow followed by a win in Solway and 2010 ended on a high. 2011 has been less kind.

An away win over Trafford Metros was expected - a return of no points from the other six games wasn't.

So where's it gone wrong?

In some quarters there's been criticism of the coaching team but frankly that seems ridiculous.

Sure, it's their first season and mistakes have been made, but improvements both on and off the ice are plain for all to see.

The main issue is in defence. Arnone and Lomax have probably had their best seasons yet while Briggs and Derbyshire have been solid enough. It's the losses of Butler (injured) and Rogers (departed) which have had the biggest impact.

We've all heard "a great team is built on its defence" - and ice hockey's no different. Three solid lines of 'D' are needed - we've barely got two - that's not a criticism - it's fact.

So what can be done?

A quick scout around our local rivals suggests trying to poach from them wouldn't bear fruit.

That leaves looking further afield (Senko from Solway would be ideal) or developing younger talent - one means finances - the other takes time.

If Owen and Brittle are given that time then this current Hawks squad is very close to being where it needs to be.

Patience is a virtue...