LEEDS KNIGHTS II head coach Aaron Jordan is confident his youngsters can give defending North One champions Blackburn Hawks a “good battle” this weekend.

The Knights head into the game at Elland Road looking to snap a four-game losing streak, one that was extended with a 7-2 defeat on the road at Nottingham Lions last Sunday.

Blackburn head across the Pennines looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, a 2-1 loss at home to current leaders Solihull Barons.

And while Ollie Lomax’s team carry far more experience in their line-up, Jordan is confident his young team can prove to be a good match-up.

“It’s definitely going to be a big challenge, they are an established team, it is a good group and I know quite a few of their players,” said Jordan.

“I think it is going to be a good battle - experience versus up-and-coming - they work hard but we are ready for that.”

Jordan, meanwhile, has praised the form of young defenceman Lawrence Dean, who scored his first goal of the season in Nottingham.

The 17-year-old made his senior debut last season but showed enough quality to be named as an alternate captain for 2026-27.

GOOD START: Leeds Knights II defenceman and alternate captain, Lawrence Dean. Picture: Kev Bland/Knights Media.

placeholder image — GOOD START: Leeds Knights II defenceman and alternate captain, Lawrence Dean. Picture: Kev Bland/Knights Media.

“Lawrence has been outstanding in his defensive play so far this season,” Jordan said of Dean, who has represented GB at Under-16 and Under-18 level.

“You can really see the amount of work he has put in this summer and it is paying off.

“He is showing where he stands in the team in terms of leadership on and off the ice and he has done a really good job of holding the team to account on the bench.”

Sunday’s clash against Blackburn marks the first of six home games in October for the Knights.

The Knights have reduced ticket prices for the month, with all six LK2 games available for £50 for adults and £18 for children.