George Awada, captain of the city's very own ice hockey side Manchester Phoenix, has teamed up with Greater Manchester Police's Operation Hawk to help put robbery on ice and reward the most streetwise local teenager.

By logging on to www.operationhawk.com youngsters will get the chance to win two free tickets for next season's opening game, donated by the team's captain, by entering the site's monthly quiz. Visitors to the site can also dip into a free world of advice and information to help protect themselves against becoming street crime victims.

George said: "Living in a big city, there is always the sad chance of being a victim of street crime and whilst it's never happened to me personally, I would recommend to youngsters that they be careful at all times. There's a lot of closed circuit TV around these days, but take care, don't overdress and be careful with your mobile phone as they seem to attract a lot of attention.

"I would encourage all youngsters to try and work on their sports chances. It helps you with your education, to use your time better, have more fun and there's less chance of getting into any mischief or trouble."

Brought up in Mendota Heights USA, right-winger George moved to Manchester Phoenix at what he describes as a "good time in my career". So far he has played for a host of top teams in the US and here including the Albany River Rate, the top AHL farm club of the New Jersey Devils, the Richmond Renegades and New Orleans Brass of the East Coast Hockey League where he became the top scorer in the 2001-02 season. Last year he played for the Florida Everblades scoring 21 goals and 29 assists in 72 appearances, before making the leap across the Atlantic to Manchester.