Bantam Hawks end season with close series against Brampton

After a strong showing in the Tri County round robin, the Roth Diamond Tools AE bantam Hawks faced off against Brampton for the championship.

The first game was at Brampton Memorial Arena March 24. The Hawks came out flying, out working and out shooting the Battalion in the first period. The reward came at 5:28, as the popular call-up player from last year's squad Christian Bonaldi raced down the left wing and found Chris Scrivo in the slot for the only marker of the frame.

The second period featured an uncharacteristic meltdown for the local boys, as they surrendered five goals in six minutes. Refusing to quit, late-period Hawks' hustle resulted in a goal by Ryan Rausch unassisted.

The third was a more typical period, with good flow but no goals as Brampton took control of the series with the 5-2 win.

The action returned to the Mayfield arena March 26 and the Hawks responded on home ice. Again Caledon owned the first period with 11 shots for and three against. At 7:52, it was Ryan Briggs and Joseph DiMarco setting the play for Rausch with the finish in the slot. A minute later it was Connor Oswald and Brandon Richard working the puck in front where Rausch notched his second of the game with the deflection.

In the second it appeared to be deja vu all over again, as Brampton counted two quick goals to open the period. Coach Ron Rothfuchs had the answer, calling a time out, calming down his guys and starting the game over. In the waning seconds of the period, it was the intensity of Cam Miller working the puck loose and kicking it to the stick of Fernando Zambito who wired a shot home to the top corner from an impossible angle with one second to go.

The Hawks endured a Battalion siege in the third, including killing a five-onthree disadvantage late in the game, to earn a 3-2 victory, backstopped by Taylor Elkins.

For the second year in a row, the Tricounty final came down to Caledon versus Brampton in game 3, back at Memorial arena. The Hawks had a rough start, actually contributing to two early Brampton goals. Showing the never-say-die attitude that this team feasted on all year, the Hawks drew within one at 7:08 as DiMarco and Briggs assisted Richard. Brampton answered quickly, jumping on a loose puck restoring the two-goal margin.

In a very even second period, Brampton scored again at 10:31 and seemed to have control. At 8:40 Daniel Butts was the play maker to Richard, as he notched his second. As the period wound down Brampton tallied again leaving a large three goal gap heading into period three.

Undaunted the Hawks continued to press and Connor Longlade-Oswald scored goal for the Hawks assisted by Scrivo. Brampton finally took the wind from beneath the Hawks' wings as they scored the last goal at 6:13 for a 6-3 win.

The gritty, undermanned Hawks accepted the silver medals with good humour and sportsmanship.

The Hawks bantam AE team consisted of Taylor Elkins and Nathan Cole in goal, supported by the defence of Daniel Butts, Clark Stewart, Joseph DiMarco, Assistant Captain Cody Ruff and Assistant Captain David Rothfuchs. Up front it was Ryan Briggs, Ryan Rausch, Connor Longlade Oswald, Brandon Richard, Alex Boughen, Fernando Zambito, assistant captain Chris Scrivo and Captain Cam Miller. Behind the bench it was Head Coach Ron Rothfuchs with assistants Jim Richard and Dave Miller backed up by trainer Jordan Rothfuchs. Organizing a wonderful and successful year was manager Diane Ruff.

The Hawks would like to thank their major sponsor Roth Diamond Tools, all sponsors and parents for their financial support. The boys also thank Glen Davis and the rep executive for their efforts and time leading to another successful season. See everyone in September.