Golden Hawks thwart Siskins comeback in shootout victory

December 18, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte
It was the first trip of the season to Stayner for the Junior C Caledon Golden Hawks last Thursday, in a game where late defensive breakdowns almost led to their third-straight loss.
The Hawks have struggled on the road this season, heading into the game without a road victory in more than two months.
Meanwhile, the Siskins have been red hot over the past month, winning 11 of their last 12 games en route to second place in the GMOHL.
Derek Czech opened the scoring for the Hawks with his seventh of the season just a few minutes in, which was quickly matched by the Siskin offence.
Czech led a strong offensive push to start the second period, assisting on goals by both Ryan Mouser and Ben Ardis.
Captain Cody Forgione made it 4-1 with his second of the season just past the halfway point of the game.
It was all James Cyfko from then until the end of the frame, making stop after stop while trying to preserve the three-goal cushion.
Unfortunately for the Hawks, he would break not once but twice in the final minute of the period, as Stayner’s top goal scorer Quinten Bruce beat him twice to cut the lead to just one.
With momentum on their side, the Siskins dominated the third period, tying the game on a five-minute power play after Forgione was sent off for a hit from behind.
The Hawks held on until the end of regulation to secure a point behind Cyfko’s solid backstopping, despite being outshot 44-24.
Overtime solved nothing, sending the Hawks to their first shootout of the season.
After the first Siskin shooter was stopped by Cyfko, Czech’s hot hands put Caledon ahead by one.
Stayner’s second attempt missed the net, putting the game on the stick of sniper Christian Bonaldi, who made no mistake to give the Golden Hawks the 5-4 victory.
The Midland Flyers team that came to Caledon East Arena Sunday was no longer a league basement-dweller, but rather a team moving up the standings to just five points behind the Hawks.
While the home team put up a strong offensive start, leading 3-1 in the second on goals by Mouser, Steven Klomp, and Nicholas McNutt, Cyfko just could not replicate his solid goaltending from the previous game.
Midland scored four goals in just over nine minutes in the second, prompting Sam Procopio to replace Cyfko in the net.
Procopio let in three of his own in the third period in an eventual 8-3 loss.
Although maintaining sixth spot in the GMOHL standings, the Golden Hawks are closer to the bottom than they are to the leaders. Only four points separates Caledon and last-place Erin Shamrocks.
They will look to improve their road record with a crucial rematch with Midland Saturday.
For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.juniorcgoldenhawks.pointstreaksites.com