Dec 05, 2016 | Jason | 413 views
Oh what a game
After playing the Caledonia Lightning to a tie on Thursday night which snapped their 15 game winning streak to start the regular season it was time for a rematch on Sunday.
In what is always a great game with our rivals from Caledonia both teams expected this to be quite the match-up and it certainly lived up to its billing.
Caledonia looking to build off the momentum they gained from the 2 late goals on Thursday night to tie the Hawks came out flying in this one. Caledonia came out aggressive and took a penalty only 30 seconds into the game, but on the penalty kill it was Caledonia who took advantage of a miscue at the blueline and came in for a breakaway and a quick 1-0 lead. Less than 3 minutes into the game another Hawks turnover at the blueline created a 2nd breakaway which resulted in a quick 2-0 lead for Caledonia. With all the momentum on the side of Caledonia, the Hawks required Austin Topp to make a number of big saves to keep this game from getting out of hand quickly. After a couple of penalties against both teams including some 4 on 3 action for Caledonia, the Hawks were able to slow down Caledonia and escape the period down 2 goals.
In the 2nd period both teams required their goalies to be the best players on the ice as both teams had chances including a couple of goal posts but neither side was able to break through and get that all important next goal.
Heading into the 3rd period, the Hawks knew that their unbeaten streak to start the season was on the line and they came out flying and were finally rewarded with a goal on an Evan Sibbick wrist shot that managed to find it's way thru the goalie to make it a 2-1 game. Assists on the play went to Kaellum Meyer and Austin Topp. Caledonia shortly after found themselves in the penalty box for the 5th time in the game but Hagersville wasnt able to get the equalizer. The momentum still on the Hawks side, and with 6 minutes to play in the game, Carson Mitchell was able to pounce on a rebound and bury it in the back of the net to tie the game at 2. Assists on the play went to Owen Doolittle and Gavin Simington.
With the fans on the edge of their seats and both teams playing their hearts out, it was Austin Topp who made a big save right at the goal line to keep it tied 2-2.
With just under 2 minutes to play Caledonia was sent to the penalty box for the 6th time, Hagersville was looking to make this one finally pay off. With a little over a minute to go a mad scramble ensued around the net and while Hagersville was throwing pucks at the net like crazy they couldn't get it to cross the line, until finally Owen Doolittle jumped on Carson's rebound and tucked it in for the Hawks first lead of the game. Zach Bezemer picked up the other assist on the play.
As this game had lots of action and drama it wasn't done yet just because only a minute remainder. With the net empty for Caledonia, Hagersville took a penalty to make it 6 on 4 for the final 45 seconds. If that wasn't enough with 20 seconds left another Hagersville penalty so 6 on 3 for the final 20 seconds and Austin had to come up with some of the biggest saves of the season as it was nail biting until Owen was able to send the puck out of our end with 3 seconds left to finish off a wild comeback 3-2 win for the Hawks and keep the streak alive.
Player of the game was awarded to Carson Mitchell who battled and worked the whole game and was key in killing off 5 Hagersville penalties along with his goal and assist.
Goals - Owen Doolittle, Carson Mitchell, Evan Sibbick
Assists - Kaellum Meyer, Owen Doolittle, Gavin Simington, Carson Mitchell, Zach Bezemer, Austin Topp (with a rare goalie assist)
Next up Tuesday in Ayr at 630. Only 4 games to go