The Hagersville Hawks opened their Southern Counties regular
season Wednesday night, taking on the Waterford Wildcats at home. We had 2 preseason games against Waterford and
were 1-1. The Hawks were looking to settle the score and come out with the win.
The Hawks came out strong and hungry for the puck in the 1st Period. The persistence of our forwards to get the puck in the back of the net resulted in a back handed goal early on by Lucas Phibbs, assisted by Quintin Salverda and Cameron Schweitzer. Waterford soon answered back tying it up by the end of the 1st.
The Hawks dominated the the 2nd Period and were able to take the lead with a goal by Quintin Salverda, who got a rebound from a shot by Cameron Schweitzer, assisted by Carson Bacher.
The 3rd period showcased two teams itching for the win. All our lines were working hard to fore check and back check as the puck went back and forth into both ends. Lucas Phibbs was able to push along the boards on a breakaway and make a quick goal to make the score 3-1. Waterford came back and scored making it 3-2.
With 41.5 seconds left Waterford pulled their goalie, adding the extra attacker. Despite the efforts of our Hawks, the Wildcats snuck in the tying goal past James Downes with 21 seconds left. The Hawks came on strong after the face off at centre ice, but their efforts weren’t enough to seal the win. The game ended in a 3-3 tie, representing the efforts of both teams.
Congrats to our players on a great first game! We showed hunger and determination. Special mention to our defensive partners. They worked hard to hold the blue line to create scoring chances and were able to skate back and stop many Wildcat breakaways.
Great work also came from James Downes in net sporting his new gear!
Good Luck in Tavistock, Hawks!