NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA HAWKS
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The Orillia U15BB Hawks delivered a stellar performance at the annual Sharkfest tournament in Barrie, held Nov. 15 to 17, 2024.
Competing in five action-packed games, the Hawks showcased their skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the weekend.
It was a hard-fought tournament for the Hawks, whose resilience and camaraderie shone brightly in every game.
The tournament opened on Friday, Nov. 15, with a clash against the Lucan Irish, a southwestern Ontario team boasting an impressive .818 record. It was a defensive battle, with no scoring through the first two periods. Despite a strong effort by the Hawks, Lucan broke through in the third period, netting two goals for a 2-0 victory.
Later that day, the Hawks faced the Barrie Sharks, who came out looking for redemption. Barrie scored twice in the first period before Hawks defenceman Lauren Torrance answered with a goal, assisted by Cabot Ferguson and Ellie Lynch. Despite a determined push, the game ended in a 2-1 loss for the Hawks.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, the Hawks rebounded in their third game, taking on the North Halton Twisters. The offence came alive, with forward Jorgia Kitcher opening the scoring, followed by goals from Lauren Torrance and Isabella Cheslock. Assists were credited to Cheslock and Torrance, sealing a commanding 3-1 victory.
That evening, the Hawks met the Barrie Sharks again, this time with a chance to secure a spot in the gold-medal game. Both teams played with intensity, but the Hawks emerged victorious thanks to a clutch third-period goal by Ellie Lynch, with assists from defencemen Lauren Torrance and Cabot Ferguson. The thrilling 1-0 win propelled the Hawks into the championship.
On Sunday, Nov. 17, the Hawks and Lucan Irish put on a thrilling performance in the gold-medal game. The Hawks were down a player but were not phased. What a dramatic moment for Ellie Lynch to score, unassisted, just as the first period was ending. That gave the Hawks a boost of momentum.
In an impressive display of teamwork, Kallie Yakeley scored the second goal of the game, with crucial assists from Ellie Lynch and Isabella Cheslock during the second period.
The game heated up in the third period as Lucan Irish mounted an impressive comeback, scoring two goals to tie the match. Their relentless effort and determination shifted the momentum, putting pressure on the Hawks and setting the stage for an intense finish. Despite the Hawks’ best efforts, Lucan delivered the game-winning goal in overtime, sealing a 3-2 victory. While the Hawks came up just short, their performance earned them the silver medal — a testament to their grit and resilience throughout the tournament.
A special thanks goes to our gold sponsors, Almaguin Spartans Jr. A Hockey Club and Team Kitcher, whose support helped make this tournament experience possible for the team.
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