Golden Hawks end two game skid with win over Terriers

November 15, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte
Following a grueling seven-game losing streak to start the Georgian Mid-Ontario Hockey League season, the Caledon Golden Hawks revived their record with a 5-1-1 run heading into play last week.
But all good things must come to an end, with the Hawks putting up two losses over a busy weekend schedule.
A 5-3 loss to the Schomberg Cougars last Thursday was one that could have been prevented, with the Hawks heading to the third period with a 3-2 lead. Schomberg tied the game with a little more than 15 minutes to go, before back-to-back stick penalties put the Hawks in penalty trouble midway through the final frame.
Schomberg capitalized on the five-on-three to take the lead for good, before adding a late empty-net tally.
It was a case of deja-vu in Penetang the following evening, as back-and-forth action had the Hawks up 4-3 after two periods. Sam Procopio would be chased from the Caledon net late in the third after four unanswered Kings’ goals, bringing the final score to 7-4 in favour of Penetang.
Despite the short losing skid, the Caledon veterans continue to impress — those with letters on their jerseys in particular. Captain Nicholas McNutt, along with assistant captains Daniel Cafagna and James Pitsadiotis, are all at better than a point-per-game and leading the Hawks in scoring. While Cafagna is no stranger to the league leaderboard, McNutt and Pitsadiotis have stepped up their offence to rank among the top 15 in league scoring.
Keep in mind, Pitsadiotis is also a defenseman.
All three were on the scoresheet again Sunday, putting up seven points in a 4-2 win over the basement-dwelling Orillia Terriers.
McNutt put the Hawks on the board late in the first period. He was the recipient of a nice pass from behind the net by Ryan Wonfor, catching the goalie hugging the wrong post.
Pitsadiotis scored on a similar play in the second, with Cafagna feeding it in front before banging it home.
Cafagna had the Hawks third goal of the game, when on the power play he found the Orillia goaltender’s five-hole from in close for a 3-1 lead.
After a rebound found its way past Hawk goaltender Evan Barlow to make it 3-2, McNutt sprang on an easy empty-net goal to seal the victory.
Although sitting eighth in the nine-team junior C league, Caledon’s promising turnaround over the past month shows an ability to compete with top teams. Their 62 goals on the year is good for third in the category, and as long as they can keep riding the hot hands of McNutt, Pitsadiotis and Cafagna, a pair of wins over the weekend could vault them as high as fourth in league standings.
Those wins would have to come at the hands of the Erin Shamrocks Saturday, and against the Penetang Kings at home Sunday.
Sunday’s puck drop at Caledon East is at 7 p.m.
For stats, schedules and more information, visit www.jrcgoldenhawks.pointstreaksites.com

Caledon’s John Cyfko just misses a wraparound attempt on Orillia goaltender Gordie Weiss. The Golden Hawks beat the Terriers 4-2 at Caledon East Arena Sunday.
Photo by Jake Courtepatte