Dec 13, 2015 | GeoffRead | 380 views
Hawks Lead Early but Lose to Top-Ranked Bandits
The Hawks' December showdown with the league-leading Bandits B4 started well, with the team coming out of the gate with lots of energy and putting the Bandits on their heals. The Hawks were rewarded early when Owen Worby took a nice feed from Theo Enns to put the Hawks up 1-0. The Bandits responded with a goal of their own, but Worby put the Hawks back up 2-1 going into the second off a nice play to break up a Bandits breakout by Brendan Walsh.
Just when victory started to seem within the Hawks' grasp however, the Bandits showed why they are the top team in the league this season, applying relentless pressure on the Hawks' defense and pinning the Hawks in their own end for long periods. From the second period on the Bandits scored 5 goals in a row as their highly skilled defensemen, in particular, made it difficult for the Hawks' forwards to generate chances and also played a key role in the Bandits' offense.
There were some positives for the Hawks in this loss. Hawks goalie Zach Read, although he let in 6 goals and absorbed his first loss of the season, stood on his head for much of the game making several spectacular glove and chest saves as the Bandits tried to go high on him. Read also made multiple stops off rebounds and passes in front of the net. Beyond the crease, player of the game Trevor Commanda had a strong effort, working the breakout with his linemates to perfection in particular to help the Hawks get out of trouble in their own end. On defense Pyper Baker stood out with some stellar play.
Offensively, Worby had two goals, Theo Enns had a goal and an assist, with his goal being the final tally of the 6-3 loss, and Jacob Bamford also had a multiple point game with two assists. Matt Di Cicco also picked up his fourth assist of the season and nearly scored his second goal.
Trainer Liam Walsh asserted after the game that the Hawks seemed to get tired by the second period. Noah Weber in particular seemed tired as he fell before a face-off and instead of getting back up sat on the ice and smiled at the crowd. As Walsh and assistants Shannon Baker, Tim Enns, and Gary Michiels will be in charge for the next game and two practices, this could mean a hard-skating workout or two ahead for the Hawks.