New-look Golden Hawks searching for first win of the season

September 23, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte
The roster of a junior C hockey team is a continually shifting one — a constant rollover of players as some move up to the higher levels, others finish their over-age seasons and some simply retire.
It certainly rings true for the GMOHL’s Caledon Golden Hawks. The 2015-16 roster for the blue and gold is riddled with new names, while those that were looked up to as leaders on the squad are now gone.
But a familiar face was between the pipes to open the season at home Friday, when Sam Procopio suited up to take on the Erin Shamrocks. He was the first goalie beaten in the contest, giving up a shorthanded marker midway through the first period.
Nicholas McNutt tied it up five minutes later, and rookie Matt Magliozzi gave the Hawks the lead before the end of the second period.
Procopio stood tall in the net into the third period, denying a number of close Erin opportunities. But he was beaten with 10 minutes to play, forcing the game to overtime, where a hooking call on McNutt allowed the Shamrocks to earn the win just after four minutes into extra time.
Once again at home Sunday against the Huntsville Otters, the Hawks looked to test Brendan Macham in net, a Creemore Valley Hawks alumnus. He was beaten on the power play just after 12 minutes in, but two powerplay markers of their own had the Hawks up 2-1 at recess.
One more snuck past him in the second, sending the game to the third period tied.
From there Macham was bombarded with shots, facing a total of 20 in the period. It proved to be too much, as he was beaten three times in the frame, as the Hawks came out on the losing end of a 5-3 score.
A number of key cogs are missing from this year’s offence, including the likes of Christian Bonaldi and ex-captain Cody Forgione. Much of the offensive production will be laid on the shoulders of 21-year old Daniel Cafagna, now in his fourth season with the club.
Cafagna led the Hawks in points over the last two seasons, and contributed heavily to the team’s offensive production in the post-season. Magliozzi, in his first season with the club, is also showing promise in the stats department with three points through the first two games.
The losing streak is a continuation of where last season ended off, when the Hawks were disappointedly swept 4-0 in the GMOHL quarter-finals by the Penetang Kings.
The Hawks hit the road for the first time this season Friday, taking their game to the Midland Flyers. They resume with regular Sunday home games, hosting the Stayner Siskins this week.
Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.jrcgoldenhawks.pointstreaksites.com