Epic Showdown!!! Hawks vs Plaster Rock To End Regular Carleton Tournament Play - December 28, 2013

With a guaranteed high playoff seed on the line in the Carleton Tournament, the York West Hawks faced the daunting task of taking on the class of the District 2 Atom C league in Plaster Rock. What no one could have predicted is just how evenly matched these teams were, or the epic struggle that would ensue. Both teams had an inspired effort throughout, and it was clear the Hawks had fully shaken off the rust that had accumulated after 3-weeks of no game action leading up to the tournament. The Hawks opened the scoring in the first period with their Captain Will Shaw burying a centering pass from behind the net by Shane Fox. Play went back and forth for the next two periods with not much to give between the teams, and after going ahead 3-1 in the 2nd frame on strength of pretty goals by Duncan Christie and Jonathyn Oland-Simon, the Hawks would find themselves in the familiar territory of being down 4-3 midway through the 3rd after surrendering 3 straight goals to Plaster Rock (déjà vu from Friday’s game against the Woodstock Warriors). Once again, however, the Hawks displayed that resilience and resolve they have become famous for this season, and Shane Fox came through BIG TIME showing great hands in front of the Plaster Rock net, and burying a puck sliding through the crease to knot everything at 4 apiece. Not done there, Duncan Christine finished off Plaster Rock with a beautiful rush and shot in the final few minutes of the 3rd. The Hawks would play stout defense the rest of the way to go 3-0 in regular tournament play; an accomplishment which secured them 1st seed in the playoffs. The only question that remained was who they would meet in the semi-finals on Sunday morning!

 Player of the game went to Jonathyn Oland-Simon; who was “lights out” both defensively and offensively, and the Hard Hat to Shane Fox for his breakout game with a key goal and assist, as well as a tireless effort in both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice. Well done team!!!