Caledon midget AE Hawks sweep Stars in first round

The Caledon Hawks midget AE team swept the Amherstburg Stars, their first round opponents, in the OMHA playdowns

The Hawks took the series in three straight.

They used a combination of overall team speed, a stingy defense, air-tight goaltending and timely scoring to overwhelm the Stars, and now must wait to learn who their opponents will be for the next round.

Hawks 5, Stars 4

(in overtime)

The Hawks jumped to a 3-0 lead with a pair of goals from Alex Butts, a single from Matt DiBartolomeo and assists from Chris Mete (a pair) and Tyler Dingli. The Stars kept battling back though, and after a Gabe Donovan goal, from Jacob Franko and Josh Turner, they tied the game to force overtime. The Hawks dominated the extra period, and DiBartolomeo scored the winner with help from Dingli and Alex Fantin. Goalie TJ Leach was sharp in the Hawks' net for the win.

Hawks 7, Stars 1

The Stars started the game with great intensity, and outshot the Hawks over the first five minutes. They had many quality scoring chances. Conner Gough was huge in the Hawks' net and his outstanding saves seemed to break the Stars' spirit.

With mission accomplished, taking at least one road victory, the Hawks became relentless and began to overwhelm the Stars. At this point, the rout was on. Franco D'Acri fired two of his patented D'Acri cannons for goals - both were assisted by Franko and Mete. DiBartolomeo, from Brandon Jessop and Franko, made the score 3-0. Donovan, from Jessop and Turner, scored before the Stars broke Gough's shutout bid. Matthew Speck and Mete both scored third period power-play goals, with help from DiBartolomeo, Nicholas Brouillette, and Jessop. The final Hawks' goal was a short-handed number, with Turner breaking up the Stars' play and sending Donovan in on a breakaway.

Hawks 6, Stars 3

The third match of the series was at the Hawks' home arena in Caledon East.

It appeared as though most of Caledon came out to see their Hawks in action, and these Hawks did not disappoint their many fans.

DiBartolomeo scored three goals and added two assists in this series clincher. D'Acri launched another of his rockets for a goal and Mete scored early in the third to make the score 5-3. Turner launched a rocket of his own to finish the scoring at 6-3. Garnering assists on the goals were Mario Lattav (with three), Donovan (with a pair), Turner, Butts, Franko and Jessop. Nicholas Stabile had a strong series patrolling the blue line for the Hawks, and goalie Leach was razor sharp in net once again.

Congratulations to the coaching staff of Emilio D'Acri, Richard Butts, Tom Dingli, and Nicki D'Acri for a job well done.