Bantam Blackhawks battle back for 2-2 draw

Photo courtesy Lori Cammerotta The bantam Blackhawks faced off against their local rivals the Lightning and skated to a draw.

Long summer days finally gave way to a cool crisp hockey season anew.

The boys of winter were back.

It was with eager anticipation, that the Caledon Blackhawks minor bantam select hockey team announced the 2007/08 season had arrived.

The Caledon Blackhawks hosted the Caledon Lightning Sept. 15 at Mayfield Arena.

A spirited effort was put forth by both teams as they tested each other throughout the game. A hard-skating Lightning squad buzzed around the Blackhawks goal, challenging goalie Simon Serpe to hold them back throughout the first period.

A late period goal by Blackhawks' Matteo Palombi was negated by a penalty call to the Blackhawks. Repeated efforts by Blackhawks' Lucus Trevisan were blocked, snared and suffocated by Lightning goalie Arlen Dancziger.

The Blackhawks team, shaking off summer rust, battled the Lightning squad to a 0-0 draw ending the first period.

The second period saw the Blackhawks in penalty trouble early.

Lightning's Michael Slater opened the scoring when he corralled a loose rebound and beat fallen Blackhawk goalie Serpe. Lightning's Shawn Fraser assisting.

Blackhawks' Daniel Cafagna responded 30 seconds later when he picked up a Palombi rebound and back-handed a goal to the far side of the Lightning net.

The second period ended 1-1.

Early in the third period, Blackhawk players intensified their defensive game to limit Lightning opportunities, peppering the Lightning goal with shots. Lightning's Villas Milani intercepted a Blackhawks' pass and raced down ice on a breakaway to score the go ahead goal. Lightning led 2-1. Dazzling stick handling by Blackhawks' Vittorio Sammarco was featured late in the period and would assist on a tying goal by Corey Graham to the short side of the net. A sliding Philip DeFrancesco foiled a last minute Lightning rush intent on scoring the wining goal. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Great effort was given by both teams and the excitement was enjoyed by all in attendance.