On the 18th of October, the Bluewater Hawks Midget C team travelled up to Etobicoke for their annual “Pink the Rink” tournament. The girls played four games with a record of 1-3-0, but played the best hockey we’ve seen from them this season.
After a long drive, the girls suited up for their first game against West Oxford Inferno, a soon to be regular season rival. The Hawks battled hard but couldn’t keep out two goals in the first. The rest of the game had high pressure for the opponent's resulting in a beautiful end to end rush by Darienne Patkau, the team’s most prolific scorer.
The second game the team was hungry for a win. Hitting the ice at 7 against Lambeth, Patkau scores in the first to get the team riled up. The Hawks hold possession most of the game, but one shot by the Lancers can’t be stopped in the third. A quick response goal less than a minute later comes from strong center Lexxi Bush, assisted by Bri Gare, leading the Hawks to a 2-1 victory.
After a nights rest, the Hawks return in the evening for two more games. Kanata is the next opponent and the hardest to beat so far. The Rangers were strong scoring in the first and second, but Kelly Wiseman gave the Hawks a goal with a strong slapper from the blue line. The third period was scoreless and the game ended with the second loss of the tournament, 2-1.
The next game was do or die. The team faced West Oxford again and the energy was electrifying. The Hawks blew the Inferno out of the water with possession and chances, but the familiar opposing team snuck in two goals to move on to the final.
Our Midget C team had a great weekend with lots of laughs and lessons, including a “Pinked Out” contest win. Honourable mention to Avery Ungar who made some beautiful saves in net. The Bluewater Hawks next tournament is in Kanata, and the team is hoping to improve their record there.
By Bri Gare