Goals from DJ Good (2), Dan Harris and Michael Allinson saw Whitley ease past Solway, despite going down 2-1 to the same side in the round-robin stage of the weekend.

It left the Warriors with two trophies before the formal season gets underway.

Whitley coach Simon Leach said: "We perhaps didn't play too well at times in the group games last weekend but it is the sign of a good side that they perform when it matters; and we certainly did that in the final."

He added: "We showed what we are capable of and the performances over the last two weeks should give us great confidence for some tough games ahead."

The weekend marked the debut of latest signing Peter Tomek.

And Leach thought the Slovakian forward showed some neat touches.

"These games have been perfect for him to get a feel for British ice hockey," continued the coach.

"But he showed what he is capable of and with a couple more games under his belt should be a real asset to this club."

Also back at the Warriors are Phil Atherton and Nathan Taylor, after a spell at Newcastle, and Shaun Kippen, after two seasons at Solway.

Now the Warriors begin their assault on the English National League and the Northern League and Leach is looking forward to another meeting with Solway.

"The two sides are certainly getting to know each other," he said.

"But we can't afford to take our foot of the gas, even a little, just because we have managed to come out on top when it mattered these past couple of weeks.

"We have four strong lines and if we keep going from start to finish should be able to wear a lot of teams down this season, but Solway showed what they are capable of too when they beat us 2-1 earlier in the competition; and we have to remember that."