Feb 16, 2015 | Craig McLaren | 774 views
'Dogs Top HAWKS...BUT!!!!
The action was intense from the drop of the puck until the final buzzer last night at the Aud in Preston. Easily in my top 5 of the most entertaining games I have EVER witnessed. If this weekend was a sign of what kind of hockey the HAWKS will be playing for the balance of their playoff run we are in for a treat!!
"We battled hard for 3 periods" indicated Manager Ian Shaughnessy who has been named as one of 12 finalists for Manager of the Year honours. "It was probably our best game this season and if the boys can walk away from this game and realize that if they play like that for 3 periods no matter who we play against we can do some damage."
The HAWKS seemed like a team on a mission. Walking the halls prior to the game I know that some of the actions by the 'Dogs didn't sit too well with the Staff or the players. The Aud is home to the HAWKS and the 'Dogs just didn't seem to give it the respect it deserved.
"They are unbeaten in the playoffs so far and they beat us twice in both our games this season" said Coach Craig. "I thought they were a little too confident the way they stood right outside our room before the game and passed the ball around and I thought that their post-goal and post game celebration was a little over the top...none the less they won but I think they definitely ruffled some feathers of our boys. I am hoping that the lesson learned in dressing room 5 tonight (the HAWKS' room) was that when they decide to just go out and win a game, play with some pride, work as a team and stick to the game plan the HAWKS will make some noise in these playoffs! We had some great goaltending this weekend with Hammer Time picking up a much needed win on Saturday and Rosie playing solid against the 'Dogs...he gave us a chance to win and that's all you can ask from your goalie. I thought the tandem of Kitts and Lloyder had another strong game letting their instincts take over and just playing hockey, forgetting to worry about the little things and not think too much - they were aggressive, closed the gap and on occasion we could hear them communicating with each other from our bench. Panny had another great game as did Johnny Orr. Hank is working his butt off and I'm sure he didn't want to take a few penalties but when we allow a forward time and space and then look down and focus on the puck instead of the player's chest we are going to end up trying to catch that forward as 9 times out of 10 they will get around us. I think Hank learned his lesson - this kid is a battler and I know he will bounce back. C-Mo continued his strong play and hopefully will continue to take on that leadership role with the blue line and with the team as a whole. Tuffy just adds another element of strength and leadership to our blue line and as a coach it's great to have him back. It definitely leaves big holes in our line ups when players are out for what ever reason that are tough to fill...players like Tuffy are hard to replace. Up front I thought The Rock was ROCK solid! Man when that kid moves his feet and plays big he is a force out there. Overall I thought The Rock, Sous and Browny had a great game...awesome to see The Sniper (Browny) snipe another big goal for us. I thought Sous skated well and played a solid two way game...as a center he has to learn that he has responsibilities to help out deep in his own end as well as in the offensive end. As long as he focusses on the right things like helping our D down low in our end of the rink, not always going offside when a teammate is carrying the puck and not to go high glove all of the time I think Sous will be successful. Maccer's line also had a great game yesterday. I thought Maccer almost tied it up at the end but the biggest reason he was on the ice was to win the faceoff back to Tuffy for the big shot and he did just that - awesome. Hash mark/Phone Booth/Kowie played another great game for us. On the PP or late in a game when we need puck possession deep in their end Kowie is one of the best. He is patient with the puck and holds onto it just a little longer than some...as long as he dishes it off at the right time he will be successful. Pimmy skated really well again, driving the puck wide with his head up looking for teammates. I think he just has to concentrate a little bit more on banging pucks out of his own end / being stronger on the boards but overall the PB & J line was consistently good again. Finally Shaughny's line is yet another line that has been consistently good for us. While I know Shaughny wants to work on his pro lacrosse game right now I thought he played well. He sees the ice well and is a very responsible centerman, exactly what a coach wants! Fraze is just a beast out there. He battles every shift of every game...I am extremely glad that his stomach issues during the Woodstock game left as quick as they came on as he played great yesterday. I think the biggest thing Fraze needs to learn is that he doesn't have to do all of the skating himself. There were times when he was down low in the corners in our end battling for pucks or in front of our net when he should be patrolling his wing along the boards. If he lets Shaughny and the D take care of that, as long as they are in position, Fraze will be much more effective to battle for pucks along the boards and make that transition to offence. And finally - Paps! Sooooo this kid was sick yesterday?? C'mon! He played great! He's been skating and battling really hard for the last little while. He has that nose for the net and moves pucks well...if this team is going to be successful going forward Paps has to be a key player and continue to go hard EVERY shift!"
Well there ya have it folks. I had to use 2 recorders to capture all of that but one thing is for certain...the HAWKS have a passionate, dedicated coaching staff who sees so much potential. EVERYONE who was on hand to see the HAWKS and 'Dogs play know just how much potential they have. It would be soooo great to have 17 players collectively say "let's just go win a hockey game" and do what it takes to be successful in these playoffs. I know these HAWKS have what it takes, the Staff knows they have what it takes, the parents know they have what it takes, the fans know they have what it takes and now it's up to the boys to realize they have what it takes!! Can't wait to see what happens next weekend!!!
Have a great Family Day!!
(HSN from the HAWKS Nest)
HAWKS Chirps
- soooo is there a coyote in the building with a paw caught in a trap??? NOPE, its just Jo-Ann and the HAWKS have a scoring opportunity!!!!
- A BIG incentive was just laid down post game to the boys....John Rudy Papalia has told the team that if they win the next 2 game he will grow his hair long enough in the back to shave RUDY back there for the rest of the playoffs!!! If they make it to the finals can they do it in permanent marker???
- Toughest skate tying session of the year goes to....Frank Carnevale! Not only did he dump half his coffee, he soaked his arm and is now being hunted down for dry cleaning costs by the minor atom Hawks team.
- looks like 3 players started their pre-game warm-up a little early. 3 players seen walking to the rink pulling their gear. Glad it was warm out!!