Dec 08, 2016 | Jason | 357 views
Put out the fire
In a match - up against the Ayr Flames, the Hawks were determined to put out the fire and keep the streak going.
With a 17 game unbeaten streak to start the regular season but a couple of close calls lately the Hawks wanted nothing to do with seeing it end and brought a quick start to the game but some solid goaltending and a couple of just misses prevented Hagersville from jumping out to a lead early in the first. Ayr began to push back and had a few chances on Austin Topp but he was up to the task turning everything away that they offered to end the first period 0-0.
Between periods the kids were reminded to keep doing what they were doing and they would be rewarded for their efforts and sure enough about 3 minutes into the period Justin Kerwin slid a pass thru the defence to the front of the net where Connor Mendes was waiting to put it in the top of the net for a 1-0 Hagersville lead.
A few more chances for that same duo existed in the 2nd period but neither could finish thanks to some terrific saves by the Ayr goalie. Down at the other end of the ice, Austin wasn't too busy this period but did have to be on the puck as he had a couple bouncers including one that came up and he stopped it with his head, ensuring that the Hawks would keep their lead going into the 3rd period.
In the 3rd, Connor was rewarded for his persistence in front of the Ayr net, when he jammed home his second of the game on a rebound from an Carson Mitchell shot. Hayley Howarth picked up the other assist on the play. A little over a minute later on a broken play in front of the net, Ayr was able to stuff one home to cut the lead to 2-1 and breath some life into their team. Using the momentum of that goal Ayr seemed to find their legs and came looking to tie it up, but while they found their legs they couldn't find the back of the net as Austin was up to the task and turned away everything they could offer, until Hagersville could weather the storm and Zach Bezemer broke free, made a sweet dangle of their defence and fired one just inside the far post to make it a 3-1 game. With a little bit of breathing room, Hagersville had some chances but couldn't score and Ayr kept coming as well but couldn't bust thru to make it any closer. With 1 second left on the clock, Evan Sibbick struck the empty net with an assist from Kaellum Meyer to make it a 4-1 final
Player of the game went to Connor Mendes for his determination and grit and constant battle at the net which rewarded him with a couple of goals.
Goals - Connor Mendes (2), Zach Bezemer, Evan Sibbick
Assists - Justin Kerwin, Carson Mitchell, Hayley Howarth, Kaellum Meyer.
Next up is Wednesday at home vs Plattsville