Minor atom Caledon Hawks victorious at Milton tournament

The Caledon RBC Royal Bank South Hill Hawks capped a terrific weekend of hockey by winning the brass ring at the Doug Thomson Memorial Spring Fling Hockey Tournament in Milton.

They clinched the title with a 3-1 victory over the Waterloo Timber Wolves in the tournament final.

The Hawks went undefeated in round-robin play with a win and two ties.

The opening game had the Hawks playing a feisty Acton team. They opened the scoring in a tight-checking, hard-hitting affair on a goal by centre Dylan Frail. The Hawks clung to 1-0 lead with spectacular goaltending from Josh Thompson. Only a late goal by Acton with their goalie pulled for an extra attacker prevented a victory.

The next opponent, host Milton, had the Hawks wear down the Winter Hawks with a goal late in the second period and one in the third as the Hawks skated to a 3-1 victory. Mark Guaragna tallied two goals and Brandon Covre added the other marker.

The last game of the round-robin play had the Hawks facing the same Waterloo Timber Wolves. Both teams, prior to the game, knew that they were through to the final. So this game was a dress rehearsal for the tournament finale to be played the following day.

The teams traded a pair of goals in the first period as Timber Wolves speedster Cameron Perkins scored twice. The Hawks answered back with a pair from Guaragna, with linemates Morgan Pace and Nicholas Martel adding assists. Down 3-1 entering the third period, the Hawks scored twice in less than a minute as Frail and Guaragna put Caledon ahead. However, the Timber Wolves tied the score at 4-4 as Perkins went the length of the ice and placing a perfect shot for his fourth of the game.

Clearly the Hawks needed to find away to stop the Timber Wolves speedy wingers to claim victory in the final. This is precisely what transpired.

The Hawks' defence kept the wingers to the outside, not allowing the Waterloo forwards the middle of the ice. The Hawk forwards back checked, taking away the puck and frustrating the Timber Wolves. The Hawks were lead by goals from Austin Pope, Dylan Proulx and Martel. Only a late goal prevented the shut out victory.

The Caledon Hawks would like to take this opportunity to thank their banner sponsors for their support. Dur Electric, James Dick, Eagle Vision, Interior Innovations, John's Barber Shop, Caledon Phone Co, J.C.H. Pearson Consulting, DEK Electrical Inc, TACC Construction Ltd. and Rendezvous Greek Restaurant.

The team would also like to thank Manager Donna Murray for all her hard work. And of course a big thank you to all the coaching staff, being a volunteer can sometimes be a thankless job. From all of the parents and players, thank you.