Weekend Ends “not as planned”

The Thunderhawks traveled to the Six Nations Rebels on Friday and showed some spark with a Chris Weier transition goal early in the first to start the scoring. Kent Baker-Printup, Nate Maloney & Kelen Pulera added one each to end the first period with a 4-3 lead. However, the Rebels stepped up in the second scoring 7 unanswered goals to end the second 10-4.

The Third saw the Thunderhawks trade goals with the Rebels before allowing 5 additional unanswered goals and losing the game 17-6. Although the score doesn’t indicate it, the Thunderhawks had a good game fighting not only a tough Rebels team, but questionable officiating.

Coach Chrysler came away from the game with a positive outlook, telling the players they experienced a playoff scenario and they gained the necessary insight into the level of competition they will experience moving forward towards the Founder’s Cup.

Saturday saw the Thunderhawks start slow versus London, tied 1-1 at the end of the first period and taking turns scoring in the second. The Thunderhawks took control in the third and finished the game up 13-7. Goals came from Christian Watts, Matt Mines, Joseph Laforme, Kent Baker-Printup, Ryan Kydd. While Devin Napolean, Kelen Pulera, Mike Wilson and Chris Weier each netted 2. Weier however, while fighting off two defenders, picked up a bouncing loose ball with one hand and performed a ‘hockey like’ back hand shot scoring the highlight goal of the evening.

After less than a twenty four hour turnaround, the Thunderhawks hosted the Owen Sound North Stars on Sunday. The game saw the Thunderhawks down 4-3 after the first with goals from Connor Watson, Christian Watts and Joseph Laforme. In the second, the Thunderhawks outscored the Stars 2-1, ending the period 5-5, with goals from Kelen Pulera and Watson.

A goal, from a Matt Mines snipe, within the first 3 minutes of the third, showed a spark that the Thunderhawks needed to rally. However, the Stars scored 4 minutes later to tie it 6-6. The Thunderhawks pulled their goalie in the last seconds to have a 6 on 5, but were unsuccessful and the game went into overtime.

In the remaining 10 minutes of overtime, the Thunderhawks came out flat and allowed the Stars to net 2 without answering, resulting in a final score of 8-6. With this loss, the Thunderhawks are now relying on the last three games of their regular season to help them reach a favourable playoff position.

Wednesday, June 12th, sees the Thunderhawks host the Hamilton Bengals in a must win game. The Bengals are top in the Mid West division with a 13-3-1 record and in the midst of a four game winning streak. Preparation, focus and effort are characteristics the Thunderhawks need to harness to ensure their season goals for this season.

Wednesdays game has a starting time of 8pm and the Thunderhawks look forward to seeing all our supporters at the rink cheering them to reach their season goal.