Golden Hawks News

Golden Hawks soar into stretch drive

Date: Jan 29, 2010

Newcomers pay immediate dividends as Hawks go 3-0-1 to start drive for postseason

Posted By Tim Meeks - The Trentonian

The Trenton Golden Hawks couldn't have scripted it any better.

While losing a 4-3 overtime decision to the Huntsville Otters Saturday at the Ontario Jr. A Hockey League Showcase in Collingwood was a bit disappointing, earning seven of a possible eight points since returning from the Christmas break has left players and management feeling pretty good about things.

"We had a team meeting when we returned from the break and we set a goal of taking seven of eight points this week, and we reached that goal, so I'm pretty pleased with the way things went," Hawks' head coach Mat Goody said.

"Sure we would have liked to win the game against Huntsville, but considering it was our third game in less than 48 hours, I can't be too upset about it," Goody added.

After hammering the Collingwood Blues 9-0 last Sunday at the Community Gardens, the Hawks took to the road for three straight games, starting Thursday in the Limestone City when they surprised the first-place Kingston Voyageurs with a 3-2 shootout win. They followed that up by clipping the Buffalo Jr. Sabres 3-2 Friday in Collingwood, before coming up just short against Huntsville.

A big plus for the Hawks, who now stand tied for fourth place with the Couchiching Terriers at 25-14-3, has been the immediate impact made by recent acquistions such as defencemen Ryan Gieseler and Cory Melkert, and forwards Curtis Renaud and Adam Baldassarre.

Renaud, a 20-year-old Carlisle, ON native, joined the Hawks from the Bramalea Blues in a cash transaction last week. The 5'8", 165 lb. forward had 19 goals and 41 points with the Blues and Milton Icehawks this season, after racking up 31 goals and 62 points with Milton last season.

Renaud wasted little time contributing with his new team, scoring the shootout winner against Kingston. He also had an assist in the win over Buffalo. Gieseler set up two goals, including the game winner against the Sabres, and scored against Huntsville, while Baldassarre had a goal and an assist against Buffalo. Melkert picked up an assist in the Huntsville game and has provided the Hawks with some excellent defensive play.

"While most teams have been looking for the leading scorers that become available at this time of year, we have been focusing on adding decent players that are known to have good character and that have a goal," Hawks' general manager Tim Clayden said. "Each of the guys we've brought in recently have all of that and fit into our room very nicely. We like our players and they like each other and that is worth a goal or two in the real season."

Trenton 3, Kingston 2

After a scoreless first period in Kingston, the Voyageurs (34-3-4) took a 2-0 lead early in the middle frame on goals by Tyler Melancon and Brett Agnew.

However, Jamie Haines narrowed the gap for the Hawks with a power play goal from Brad Gehl and Rod Bouchard with 4:28 left in the second.

The Hawks tied it with 4:39 remaining in regulation time when Andrew Groom connected from Gehl and Haines, setting the stage for Renaud's shootout winner.

Spencer Finney was outstanding in net for the Hawks, stopping 41 shots and all four Kingston shooters in the shootout to improve his record to 18-6-1.

Trenton 3, Buffalo 2

Against Buffalo (20-19-2), the Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Nick Foglia (6th) and Baldassarre (2nd).

Buffalo fought back with goals by Kevin Hughes and Greg Ryan, but with 2:50 reamining, Groom (4th) blasted home the game winner on the power play.

Picking up assists for the Hawks were Gieseler (2), Renaud, Baldassarre, and Jeremie Gauthier.

Brady Wilyman stopped 26 shots for the win, as the Sabres outshot the Hawks 28-19.

Huntsville 4, Trenton 3

The Hawks and Otters (17-21-1) played scoreless through the first period and then each scored twice in the second and once in the third, before Dane Horvat won it for Huntsville with a power play goal in overtime.

Gieseler (5th), Haines (13th) and Evan Stibbard (22nd) scored for the Hawks, while Melkert added one assist.

Wilyman stopped 33 shots in seeing his record fall to 3-0-2, as the Otters outshot the Hawks 37-30.

NOTES: It appears the Hawks were unable to move disgruntled former captain and Lindsay native Jeremy McCarty by last night's trade deadline. As of late yesterday afternoon no deal appeared likely. "Lindsay didn't offer us anything close to replacing McCarty this year and the players they included for next season will not be in this league as they are moving onto the NCAA," Clayden said. "The team that offered the most and stepped up to the plate was Kingston. We were honoured by the Vees offer, but unfortunately, Jeremy wanted to play closer to home."...The Hawks host the Vaughan Vipers (18-14-9) Friday at 7:30 p.m., then travel to Oakville Saturday to face the Blades (32-6-1).

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