TOWERING Czech Pavel Slowik had given up on his ice hockey career and made a new life for himself in England, not expecting a second chance.

But this weekend he will get his skates on for Blackburn Hawks as they prepare for the start of the National Ice Hockey League Moralee Conference and a tilt at the title.

The defence man has been described by player-coach Jared Owen as an important piece of the jigsaw as he bids to improve on runners-up spot, even though it is three years since Slowik last played a competitive game.

“It doesn’t seem to have affected him. He’s stood out in all of our practices. He’s a good player,” said Owen.

“He’s good on the puck, every pass is on the tape, he’s got a very good shot and defensively he doesn’t get beaten.

“It’s a big plus.”

Slowik came through the junior ranks with SK Karvina, representing his hometown team from the age of eight to 15. From there he spent two years with the youth set-up at neighbouring Harivov and continued to move between the two teams before joining Czech3 league side HC Orlova.

Because of a blocked transfer, his career went no further. But despite the break in play Slowik’s pedigree to Owen is obvious.

“He’s just quality,” he said. “He’s played at a good level, he’s obviously been a good junior when he was growing up in Czech and everything is so easy to him. It’s effortless.”

For the 32-year-old, though, there is still work to do to get back up to speed with the Hawks “I’m trying to get my stamina back and get into good condition,” said Slowik, who lives in Altrincham and works as a barman at The Lowry Centre at Salford Quays.

“It’s hard because I’m on my feet every shift, working mainly 12pm to 12am, or 5pm to 12am, which is not good because I get to bed really late.

“They know about the ice hockey at work. I need to keep my colleagues onside because I may have to reorganise some shifts to train and play.

“It will be hard.”

But Slowik is sure it will be worth the effort.

“I’m very excited to join Blackburn Hawks because I think the team is very good and they are good lads.

“I’m happy to be here,” said Slowik, who is the latest of Hawks’ recent high-quality import players behind the likes of Finn Sami Narkia, Latvian Ivo Dimitrijevs and Canadian Jon Adams after meeting new team-mate Jake Nurse at an ice session in Altrincham and invited for a trial.

He is set to play in both friendlies with Widnes Wild this weekend, the first at home tonight (face-off 5.45pm).

“It was always my dream to play professional and earn money playing ice hockey. That’s what I had wanted all my life,” he continued.

“I didn’t get a chance to play professionally the game I love so much. This is my second chance. I take it like that.

“I’m 32 so I don’t think about being a rich ice hockey player, or earn very good money from the game. But I still get to play in front of a crowd.

“To play in front of an audience is what I like. That’s enough. It’s not about money now, I just want to enjoy it and be part of a team.”

Hawks play the second of their two friendlies with Widnes Wild away tomorrow before starting the new season away to Manchester Minotaurs on Saturday, September 6.

Hawks’ first league home game is on Sunday, September 7 (face-off 5.45pm).