AN ice hockey team from the New York Police department comes to town today exactly eight months on from the September 11 tragedies which rocked the world.

The US Blue Line Police side, made up soley of New York Police Officers, takes on Swindon's recreational ice hockey side Nationwide Knights at the Link Centre.

It's the second time the US Blue Line Police side have visited Swindon having played the Knights last June but this visit is all the more poignant following September 11.

Nationwide Knights' coach Dave Littlewood originally contacted US Blue coach John Coyle out of concern for the players and their families and friends and a month ago a re-match was organised.

US Blue Line Police coach Coyle described just how much the tragedy has affected people in America saying: "Everyone has been affected and things here will never be the same again."

Littlewood said, "They originally contacted us via the internet as they were touring the UK last year.

"We were able to arrange a challenge against them which took place at the Link Centre.

"After the events of September 11 I got back in touch with John Coyle and offered my sympathies over the tragedy.

"Then a couple of months ago John got back in touch and said they were coming to the UK again and would like to play in Swindon again if possible.

"This we were able to do and then it was suggested by one of our Nationwide team that we could also try and raise some money for their appeal as well from the game.

"I am delighted that they will be back in Swindon again today as it is exactly eight months since the awful happenings in New York.

"I am pleased to welcome John and the Police team back to Swindon and hope we have as enjoyable time as last year. And of course we raise as much money as possible for the appeal."

Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Dave Littlewood at Nationwide.

Organisers from Swindon Junior Ice Hockeys' Under-12 Tournament will be manning a 'Speed Cage' outside the Link Centre today to raise money for their International Tournament over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend of June 1/2/3 2002.

So for those of you 'hockey nuts' that want to check your 'slap shot' speed, or football fanatics that want to check your 'free kick' speed, why not pay them a visit.They will be there from 10am until 4pm

The Under-12 Tournament organisers have also agreed to donate half of all of the money raised by the 'Speed Cage' this weekend to the September 11th Appeal Fund, along with any donations received at the challenge game.

Anyone interested in sponsorship, or making donations of any kind, for the U12 International Ice Hockey Tournament in June, please contact Carl or Tracy Savage on (01793) 873166, or e-mail at thesavages-@westswindon.freeserve.co.uk.