On Aug.11 the Huntsville Intermediate Hawks travelled to Newmarket to play their final regular season game against the Redbirds.

During their previous matchup at the Jack Bionda Arena, Huntsville managed to tie the game with only 10 minutes remaining. This time, the Hawks were out for the win.

The Hawks played strong in the first, gaining an early 3-0 lead. With only seconds left, Newmarket was on the board, but Huntsville had the advantage going into the next period.

 Scoring for the Hawks in the first were Cody Ryan (2) and Thompson Smith. Assists went to Jesse Heming, Aaron Coulas, and Jonathon Kerr (2).

Struggling defensively in the second, the Redbirds were able to break through the Hawks’ defense and net two goals. The Huntsville players, however, were able to retain their lead as Coulas scored from behind the net unassisted and Smith pocketed two additional goals, assisted by tender Matt Bennetts.

Continuing to run past Huntsville’s defence, Newmarket scored two goals in the third, while the Hawks were unable to return the effort. Outstanding goaltending by Bennetts, however, kept Huntsville in the game, as he showed great skill in stopping numerous shots that were fired at him throughout the game. The final score was 6-5 for Huntsville.

On Aug. 5, the Hawks travelled to Midland to compete against the Braves one last time during the regular season.

Playing with only eight runners, coach Clayton Earl decided to hit the floor four-on-five, giving the boys a challenge right away.

Sticking to the game plan, Huntsville was first on the board with Smith scoring on assists by Heming and Aaron Stevenson. Heming wasn’t far behind, scoring the last goal of the period, assisted by Chris Bennett and Smith. Huntsville had the lead heading into the second period of play.

Continuing to play short-handed, but never giving up, Huntsville riffled four additional goals past the Midland goalie during the second period. Solid defence by senior goaltender Bennetts kept the Braves off of the board.

Goals were awarded to Mike Gagnier, Smith, and Heming (2). Assists were had by Peter Paroschy (2), Wade Cormack, Gagnier (2), and Smith.

A change in Midland’s goalie during the third had Huntsville re-thinking their game plan. Using full strength lines, the bench was shortened and the Hawks began to tire.

Despite this, the defensive effort stayed strong, and Midland was unable to score, giving Bennetts another blanking for the third period. Smith and Gagnier netted additional goals, increasing the Hawks’ lead to seven. Paroschy, Bennett and Stevenson were granted the assists. The final score was 8-1 for Huntsville.