Novice AA Hawks are 'best of the best'

Caledon's novice AA Hawks were crowned champions at the recent 'Best of the Best' Georgetown tournament.

The Ontario Flooring and Nu Force Electrical and Security novice AA Caledon Hawks are the defending Tri- County champions and with 14 players returning, the season ahead looks to be very promising.

The boys opened their regular season with a 2-0-1 record with wins over Georgetown and Flamboro.

The Hawks entered the Georgetown "Best of the Best" tournament over the Thanksgiving weekend with high expectations.

The Hawks opened the tournament versus the strong host team, the Georgetown Raiders. This was a funfilled game, packed with back-and-forth action, although Georgetown managed to stay one step ahead when they scored late in the third to take and hang on to the lead. Caledon lost a close, 4-3 decision. Highlights included a twogoal performance by game MVP Liam Winslow and several nice saves by Evan Barlow.

With their back against the wall, the young Hawks took on the Georgina Blaze. Finding themselves in a must-win situation, the Hawks were up for the challenge. Early on, the boys came out a little flat. On two occasions, the Hawks spotted the Blaze a one goal lead, however, the Hawks responded with the equalizers. A strong, dominant performance in the third secured the win. The Hawks went on to beat the Blaze 5-3. Highlights included a great pass by Matthew D'Urzo to Brett Murray that led to a goal, several great saves by Nicholas Biamonte and a three-goal performance by game MVP Brody McLean.

Caledon faced the Niagara Purple Eagles in their third round-robin game. This was a one-sided affair as the Hawks dominated puck possession, shots on net and goals for. The Hawks won 4-0. Highlights included a great pass from Brett Murray to Landen Bayes that led to a goal, a shutout by Evan Barlow and two goal performance from game MVP Joshua Hall.

The semifinals saw the Hawks take on the undefeated Brampton Battalion. The well coached Battalion controlled most of the first two periods and went into the third period with a 2-0 lead. On the brink of the elimination, the Hawks came out flying in the third period to score three consecutive goals and take the lead. A Brampton comeback was denied by solid defensive plays. The Hawks went on to stun the Brampton Battalions, 3-2.

Highlights included great stick handling and two goals by Liam Winslow and several brilliant saves by game MVP Nicholas Biamonte.

The finals featured a rematch with Georgetown Raiders. The fans were in for a treat as the two teams battled for "the Best of the Best" title.

This was an actionpacked game from start to end. Back and forth, save after save, chance after chance.

Georgetown took the lead on two different occasions, although the Hawks were able to respond with goals of their own. The score was tied going into the third period. The Hawks scored two quick third-period goals to take the lead. Georgetown would eventually get one back but the Hawks added an empty net goal to seal the deal and win the tournament, Hawks 5, Raiders 3.

Highlights included great saves by Evan Barlow and a four-goal performance by game MVP Brody McLean.

The Hawks represented the Town of Caledon well, with hard work and determination

to win the tournament. Great defensive efforts came from Kameron Halsall, Franco Zuccato, Jonathan Ferguson, Mitchell Luzar, Jacob Laplame and Matthew D'Urzo, as well as the awesome forechecking and backchecking by Julian Bozzo, Landen Bayes, Brandon Covre, Joseph

Ranieri. Goals from Brett Murray, Joshua Hall, Liam Winslow and Brody McLean and outstanding play by goalies Evan Barlow and Nicholas Biamonte. Solid performances by all, is the reason why the novice AA Hawks are the "best of the best." A special thank you to

head coach Terry McLean, assistant coaches John Murray and Sean Winslow, trainer Maurice Covre and manager Karen Luzar for all of their hard work with the novice AA team.

Visit their Web site to get an in depth look at the team, http://eteamz.active.com/cal edonnoviceaa/.