GARY Buckman has called on Blackburn Hawks to turn the Arena into ice hockey’s answer to Old Trafford.

The Hawks’ assistant has urged his team to take a leaf out of Manchester United’s book and make the Arena one of the most daunting venues in the English National Ice Hockey League.

“I wish we could make the Blackburn Arena more like Old Trafford,” said Buckman.

“I still believe we can qualify for the end-of-season play-offs. However, if we are going to achieve that then our home form will be crucial, and that’s where our fans can play a part.”

After narrowly losing at home to the joint-leaders, Nottingham Lions, last week, Hawks face another major test of their mettle when the Sheffield Spartans, who also share top spot, visit the Arena tomorrow (face-off 5.45pm).

Buckman said: “We’ve already played Sheffield three times away from home this season and every one was close. We lost 5-3, 5-4 and 5-3.

“This is going to be another extremely tough game but I just hope the lads can come through at home.

“The good thing is for the first time in a long time we’ve got a fully-fit squad to pick from.

“If everyone performs to their maximum, and the fans get behind us, there’s no reason why we can’t get a result.”