Ice hockey – Hand predicts tough clash

Mark McGill on call for Murrayfield Racers in a recent fixture. Picture by Ian Coyle.

Murrayfield Racers’ director of hockey, Tony Hand, warned fans weeks ago that it would be tough for his re-born side.

They suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of one National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) club last weekend.

Now, Racers, beaten 8-2 by Billingham Stars last Sunday, entertain Blackburn Hawks at Murrayfield on Saturday (face-off 6pm).

A two for one offer to students will be in operation for the clash in the NIHL North Cup.

Hand knows what his men will face as he used to coach a number of the English players.

And the former Murrayfeld Racers legend said: “Blackburn are one of the top NIHL 1 teams with a lot of quality players who I used to coach. It will very a very tough match for the Racers.”

Hand is, however, pleased with the effort his squad are giving but added: “We just have to settle down defensively as team.”