Dec 30, 2011 | Mark Kraus | 733 views
OT Not Enough - Hawks lose in shootout
The Bantam Hawks headed to Burlington this holiday season to take part in the 44th Golden Horseshoe. During the five game round robin portion of the tournament the Team had some very exciting games. The Hawks opened with a 2-2 tie versus the host Burlington Eagles. In this one the Hawks lead 2-1 until, with under two minutes left, the Eagles managed the equalizer.
Hawks scorers were Alex Takacs and Tyler Gagne. Assists went to Jake Wilkinson and Brett Wilson. Hayden Padalino was solid in net. In game two the Hawks faced off against the Farmington Flames in what proved to be an equally exciting game that even included a penalty shot. Trailing 2-1 late in the third, the Hawks rallied in the final 1:32 scoring twice to seal a 3-2 victory. Alex Black scored the first two goals while Alex Takacs scored the game winner with just 47 seconds left on the clock. Assists went to Takacs, Nathan Bastian (2), Paul Morra and Alex Ritchie (2). Owen Savory was also solid between the pipes in this one. The third game saw the Hawks play the West Seneca Wings. In a game that saw the boys dominate from start to finish, the final score was 3-0. Nathan Bastian lead the way scoring all three goals. Paul Morra added three assists and Ritchie added another. Padalino earned the shutout.
As the Round robin was starting to take shape, the Hawks next faced the Niagara Falls Canucks. In what proved to be a hard fought match, the Hawks managed to skate away with a 2-1 victory. Scoring came from Gagne and Ritchie while assists went to Mitch Montgomery (2) and Bastian. Now through to the semi finals, the Hawks defeated the Wheatfield Blades 3-2 to end the five game round robin portion of the tournament undefeated. Scoring came from Ritchie (2) and Black. Assists went to Bastian (3), Parker Wood (2) and Black. Padalino had another strong game in net.
This set the stage for the semi final versus the Markham Majors. The Hawks jumped out to a first period lead thanks to a goal by Levi Walker. Gagne and Montgomery earned assists. The score remained 1-0 after two periods. However just 1:38 into the final frame the Majors tied it up on a hard point shot that found its way through a screen and beat Savory. Buoyed by this tying goal, the Majors pressed hard but the Hawks managed to settle things down. 5:19 later the boys recaptured the lead on a goal by Paul Morra. Ritchie and Wood earned assists. However, with 3:42 left in the game the referee called a delay of game penalty on Alex Black for intentionally knocking the net off its moorings. This, after numerous questionable calls (or lack thereof) by the officiating crew!! It only took the Majors nine seconds to bang home a rebound and tie the score 2-2.
The game headed to overtime where the teams would compete in a 4 on 4 sudden death 10 minute period. Both teams traded great scoring opportunities but none were better than Nathan Bastian springing Morra on a partial breakaway. Morra rang one off the crossbar. We now headed for a shootout. Markham's first shooter scored but that was immediately answered by Bastian. After Savory stopped the next Major shooter Tyler Gagne went for the Hawks but just missed over the crossbar. After the next Markham shooter scored Austin Sine was called upon. After cleanly beating the goalie, Sine wasn't able to elevate the puck enough to lift it over the tender's pad. The Majors took this exciting game 3-2. The Hawks played hard throughout this tournament and should be proud of the results albeit disappointing.
For those that haven't had a chance to see some photos of the tournament (and other) games, visit the team website. Tim and Holly Wood have done a great job loading photos of the boys to the site.
Happy New Year!!!