Minor atom Blackhawks earn first playoff win at expense of Lightning

Blackhawks John Sopinka and Steve Luongo, and Lightning players Chad Morin and David Farren look on as Nathan Burleigh stops the Blackhawks' attempts to score in Saturday's contest in Bolton.

The Caledon Blackhawks minor atom Selects played the Caledon Lightning Saturday in the first playoff game for both teams in Bolton, and came out on top of the final score.

They have all come a long way since the start of the season and both teams were more than ready for this game.

The Lightning struck first. In the first 14 seconds of the game, Alec Hussey's shot from the point found its way through the maze of bodies in front of the net and to the corner. Christopher Rosati drew the only assist on the play.

The Blackhawks were caught off guard and looked it, as shocked looks ran through the team. This was the playoffs, and the Lightning came to play.

The Blackhawks had to step up their game and this was their wake-up call. Their play picked up, as both teams fought hard throughout the period for the puck. At the half-way point, the Blackhawks' Chris Hunter, assisted by Steve Luongo, evened up the game. The score was tied 1- 1, and that would be how the first period would end.

The second period provided a lot of action and opportunities, shots on goal, adding up to a great game.

The crowd was on the edge of their seats.

On a power play, the Blackhawks worked the puck past the Lightning defence and found the back of the net. David Ryan scored, with Eric Lowry and Christopher Cola getting the helpers. A second powerplay opportunity for the Blackhawks would prove beneficial again. With less than six seconds left, Hunter would score. John Sopinka and Lucas Mizzi would get the assists. The period would end 3-1.

The third period showed continued strong play from both sides. The Lightning, down by two, were determined to make it up. They would find the task at hand become more difficult when halfway through the period, Luongo scored unassisted, making it 4-1.

Attempt after attempt saw the Lightning turned away. Finally, breaking through the Blackhawks' defence during a power play, with less than two minutes left in the game, Michael Gizzarelli scored. Rosati would get another assist, drawing them closer, but it would be too little too late.

The first playoff game was over, with a 4-2 final score for the Blackhawks.

Both teams played a remarkable game.

Blackhawks Coach's pick for player of the game was Nelson Learn.

The Blackhawks would like to thank the following sponsors: MARS Canada Inc., All Metal Fabricating, Chemix Vinyl Compounds, Chic's Auto Repair, Stephen Ryan - Spectrum Realty.