BLACKBURN may be 60-plus miles from Deeside but it’s one of Dragons’ two North West derbies - and Andy McKinney can’t wait for Sunday.

Dragons head to Blackburn Hawks second in the Ice Hockey’s North Division One and on an eight-game winning run.

“Blackburn games are big ones for us,” said player/assistant coach McKinney. “They and Widnes are our two derby games and they are always feisty games.

“We’re rivals and there’s plenty riding on it, a few personal battles and our coach was coach there. So it will be tasty.”

Ross Kennedy, Brodie Jesson, James Shaw and Jared Dickinson - an ex-Hawks’ player - scored in the Dragons’ 4-1 win at home to Hull Jets last Sunday.

That moved them four points behind leaders Billingham Stars, who don’t have a game this weekend.

“It’s a shame we don’t play Billingham until February because the run we’re on, we’d like to play them now,” added McKinney.

“We didn’t play well against Hull but we won and I suppose it’s a sign that even when we don’t play well, we can win.”

Hull have a double header, home and away with Whitley Warriors this weekend while Sunday’s other games are Solihull Barons at home to Nottingham Lions and Sheffield Scimitars’ visit to Widnes Wild.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has joined Elite League outfit Belfast Giants on a temporary loan.

The 41-year-old, who retired from football in 2019, joins on a short-term deal as “temporary emergency cover” from Oxford City Stars of the National Ice Hockey League South Division One.

Giants head coach Adam Keefe said in a statement: “We’re very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself.

“Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, so his support during this loan period will be invaluable.”

Belfast have two away games this weekend at Sheffield Steelers tomorrow and in Manchester on Sunday.