Sports

Golden Hawks top Cougars, extend win streak to two

November 4, 2015   ·   0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte
The junior C Caledon Golden Hawks were on the ice only once in the last week, but it was a significant sign of their recent success.
There were 150 spectators who took to the arena in Caledon East Sunday to watch the Hawks battle with the nearby Schomberg Cougars, who were coming off a shutout of the Penetang Kings two nights prior.
It was a defensive battle in the first period, with each side earning only one good, but failed, attempt to score. At the 10-minute mark, Caledon’s Tyler Whitten was sprung on a breakaway, but was stopped by Vincenzo Michelizzi and fanned on a big rebound.
At the other end, Kiefer McIntosh sprung a streaking Carter LeRoux with less than two minutes to go in the period, who cut through the defence before ringing one off the crossbar.
Caledon finally opened the scoring midway through the second period, when Avery Rodriguez potted a wrist shot from the slot to give the home side a 1-0 advantage.
Schomberg’s J.P. Crescenzi countered with an almost identical goal a few minutes later on a four-minute power play.
Justin Formenton had a chance to put the Cougars ahead on the next shift, but fanned on a deke to his backhand on a breakaway.
Caledon opened up a lead early in the third, with Christian Mariconda scoring just 26 seconds into the period, and Matt Magliozzi doubling the lead by catching Michelizzi out of position just two minutes later.
The Cougars wouldn’t recover, leaving the Golden Hawks the victors in a 4-2 finish after a goal from Schomberg’s Derek Neilly and an empty-netter from Nicholas McNutt with 30 seconds to go.
Since earning their first win of the season just less than a month ago, the Hawks have pulled a complete 180. Their record has improved to 5-8-1 on the season, having gone 5-1-1 over their last seven games.
Most of their recent success can be attributed to a revitalized offence, now the third highest in the GMOHL. The Hawks are averaging more than 3.5 goals per game, while keeping opponents scores low with the fewest penalty minutes of all nine teams.
The road rematch tonight (Thursday) with the Cougars now has some heavy implications. After Sunday’s win, the Hawks have caught the Cougars in league standings, holding identical records. If all goes well, this weekend’s matchups could see a significant leap forward for the Hawks. They visit the Penetang Kings Saturday, of whom they currently sit three points back, and host the struggling Orillia Terriers Sunday. The Terriers have come out of the gate at 1-15-1 this season.
For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.jrcgoldenhawks.pointstreaksites.com

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