Westmeath manager Michael Ryan has set his sights on their opening Allianz NHL 2A clash against Carlow.

The Waterford native is adamant that this is a must win game for the Lake County as they bid to gain promotion to Division 1B.

This year, Westmeath won the 2A final, but were beaten by Laois in a promotion/relegation play off. However, that has been scraped for the 2017 campaign and whoever wins the league final is guaranteed promotion.

That is why Ryan believes that they must beat their fierce rivals in the opening game to ensure that they reach the final.

"We already had a players' meeting and we put a few structures in place. We're looking at gym programmes, strength and conditioning, and getting everything going," Ryan told the Westmeath Independent.

"The first game of the league is against Carlow. It's an absolutely vital game, and it'll be here before we know it."

Westmeath begin their 2A league campaign with a home clash against the Barrowsiders on February 11th.

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