End of the Season by Sheila Phibbs, News, Bantam Rep, U15, 2015-2016 (Hagersville Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2015-2016 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Mar 21, 2016 | Jennifer Russell | 1356 views
End of the Season by Sheila Phibbs
It’s been a challenging playoff round and the 2015-16 season has now drawn to a close.  The Bantams got off to a strong start in ‘B’ division but peaked early, unable to get the points needed to maintain a spot in the semi-finals.  

Despite back to back losses to division leading Port Dover late in February, Hagersville played a confident game in Paris on March 9th.  The home team scored mid-way through the first but Brody Smith continued to have the hot stick as he scored the equalizer in the second.  Assisting were Cole Logan and Jordan LaForme.

Hagersville took the lead after Win Cooper got the puck to Daxton Wybenga who shot straight in the net.  Unfortunately, three unanswered goals in the third gave Paris the win.

The Bantam Reps finished the season at home against Tavistock on Sunday, March 20th.  After an intense meeting earlier in the round, the potential was there for a wild game, especially with the semi-finals on the line for the visiting team.

The Hawks played a strong opening period and there was no score after one.  Tavistock came out charging in the second and scored early on a power play.  Penalties put Hagersville shorthanded midway through the game and Tavistock capitalized for a 2-0 lead.  Jordan LaForme made some impressive saves to keep the game in hand.

The third period got off to an intense start and it looked like the game could get out of hand but Hagersville kept its cool and focused on the game.  Following a penalty kill Jade Bacher moved into the offensive zone and made a shot that fooled the goalie.  With the momentum shifted, the Hawks continued to apply the pressure and prevented Tavistock from adding to their lead.  Late in the period, Jade Bacher raced in over the blue line to keep the puck in play and got away a shot for the equalizer.

Hagersville maintained momentum for the final minutes, even while killing off one more penalty, and Bradley Verral played a strong period in the net.  At the final buzzer, the Hawks skated off with a satisfying tie as Tavistock was denied the two points they needed by a team that refused to lose.

With the season now complete, thanks to coaches Rick Scott and Vince Guetter and trainers Bert Prinzen and Trish Logan for their hard work and dedication on the bench.  Thanks as well to the Haldimand Milk Committee for their ongoing support of Hagersville Minor Hockey.  Thank you to the families and fans that showed up for every game and cheered the team on.  Finally, thanks to players who gave it their all this year, working through injuries and challenges to make us proud.  Have a great summer Hawks and we’ll see you at the arena next fall!