The Hawkesbury Hawks had trouble finding ways to stop the Brockville Braves, which beat Hawks, 5-2.
Brockville's penalty kill excelled, as the Braves gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.
Brockville was led by Francesco Tolfa, who racked up one goal and one assist. Tolfa scored 2:02 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Brockville. Brett Van Stralen provided the assist.
Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 12:59 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.
The Braves were often in penalty trouble, totaling 11 minors and one major for 27 minutes in penalty time. Brockville had been averaging 16.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Braves forced Hawkesbury's goalies to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, launching 33 shots and forcing 28 saves. Gunner Rivers made 13 stops and CJ Sharp made 15. The defensemen of Brockville were also effective in the Hawks' zone, and came away with three goals.
Brockville additionally got points from Dylan McCrory, who also registered one goal and one assist. Brockville also got a goal from Eric Israel as well. Other players who recorded assists for Brockville were Liam Folkes, who had two and Blake Carrick, Sean King, Andrew Peski, and DAndre John, who each chipped in one.
Hawkesbury forced Braves' netminders to work all game long, ripping 50 shots and forcing 48 saves. Mitchell Datz made 48 stops and Bo Taylor made zero. The Hawks found themselves short handed often, totaling 21 penalty minutes and allowing four power plays.
Hawkesbury was led by Liam Alcalde, who finished with one goal. Alcalde scored 2:56 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Rory Gagnon assisted on the tally. Jason Brochu also scored for Hawkesbury. More assists for Hawkesbury came via Pierre Ouellette and Ross Mandigo, who contributed one each.
The Braves ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Tre Folkes was ejected from the game. For the Hawks, Alcalde was ejected from the game.
