From the Bench
Bantam AA Hawks wrap up summer hockey in fine style

As one season wraps up another begins. Sometimes it can feel almost seamless, yet a plethora of changes will have occurred.

The Caledon Hawks AA Bantam squad, playing as the River Rats, finished their summer hockey 4 on 4 league, and in particularly fine form. Finishing second in the overall standings, they swept through the preliminary rounds of the playoffs only to find themselves against their first-place rivals known as Thunder Rocks.

The undefeated first place team was to be a formidable opponent. What better way to have a championship match? From the drop of the first puck, to the dying moments of the game, the fast paced, physical, and emotionally draining pace was pure adrenaline rush (especially for the parents).

Many credits must go to the coaches - they handled the bench well, overcame injuries, summer schedules, attitudes of 13 & 14-yearold testosterone filling bodies, and a lineup of predominantly defensive players. It was wonderful to watch and be a part of. Thanks too must go to the parents for endless support, and working around vacations, holidays, and Monday night game times.

For the team, scoring the first goal was a lift that cannot be explained. Relentless in their pursuit of a victory, it seemed like there was something more in the wind for these players. Taking the lead to 2-0 seemed to seal the fate of the Thunder Rocks team, but refs got in the way of this match. Handing out penalties left, right and centre, the score began to change slightly. In this league you don't sit in the box; you give the other team a penalty shot. The game was 3 -3 with less than one minute on the clock. All of the goals for Thunder Rocks came on penalty shots whereas all of the goals for the River Rats came on puck control, passing, digging out of the corners, and crashing the net. With 11 seconds left in the final period, there was a face-off in the opposition's corner. The draw was won and with 4 seconds left in the game the boys pulled it off. Scramble in front of the net, and victory was in hand. 4-3, final score. The previously undefeated Thunder Rocks walked off the ice, without even a congratulatory handshake.

Awesome, for sure, and a great end to a hard-fought battle. Honorable mentions to D. Leone who rang one off the post with 3 minutes left, J.T. Gore for scoring 2 and assisting on one, B. Libawski for scoring the game winner and assisting on 2, and first class honors to M. Koster for an absolutely stellar performance in net.

We can look forward to an even more exciting winter schedule as the Hawks play their season opener at the new Caledon East rink Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

DL