The Huntsville Hawks won two of three games this week and have taken over second place in the OLA Junior C east division standings. The Hawks have won seven of their first 11 games for 14 points; one point behind the first place Clarington Shamrox.
Huntsville had a chance to move into top spot but lost Sunday to Clarington 11-6. The Shamrox scored six unanswered goals in the third period over Huntsville, much to the delight of their home-town fans. Huntsville had led 4-2 after the first period and 6-5 going into the third period. It was the second time in two days that Huntsville had a third period let down.
Saturday night however, Huntsville was able to hold on for an 11-10 win over the Peterborough Lakers. The Hawks had built up a 7-1 first period lead and were ahead 10-4 going into the final period against Peterborough.
Goaltender Zach Hubbard played exceptionally well for the Hawks handling many tough shots in the first two periods. He found himself the victim of the team’s collapse in front of him, as the Lakers scored six third period goals including three on the power play.
Our team is still having growing pains. It’s something we have to learn in the last five games of the regular schedule. Hopefully we can find the groove.
Coach Joe O’Halloran, after the loss to Clarington
Huntsville has a young team including several midget players playing Jr C for the first time. The Hawks’ goaltenders are also first year players Zack Hubbard and Mitch Wagner, and a lot of Huntsville’s early success has been because of their solid play.
Sunday, another midget graduate, Brett Handsor had a four point game against Clarington including two goals. He also had a goal and an assist Saturday against Peterborough and was in on what proved to be the winning goal.
Earlier in the week Huntsville defeated the Barrie Bombers 13-6.
The Hawks have five games remaining in their regular schedule and coach Joe O’Halloran says the team has to work on its mental toughness. He says they need to play 60 minutes, not just 40 minutes of lacrosse every night.
Clarington was the team that eliminated Huntsville from the playoffs last year, and the Hawks have now lost two regular season games to them. They also have Whitby and Peterborough breathing down their necks in third and fourth places respectively. Whitby is just one point back and Peterborough two points behind Huntsville.
The Hawks play against the Warriors in Whitby on Friday night and home Saturday June 11 to Cornwall Celtics.
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