Congratulations to the Hawks on winning their regular season opener, which took place on Friday, Oct 3rd in Morden. The game pitted the hometown Hawks against the Central Plains Capitals. Our girls came out hard in the first and dominated the play for the better part of the period. This early pressure was rewarded quickly as Brooklyn Platt found the back of the net at the 18:22 mark in the first. A few minutes later though, the Caps replied with a power play chance of their own to tie the game at 1. Although the scoring chances seemed a little harder to come by in the second, Pembina Valley seemed to take full advantage of the opportunities when, after Chelsea Dearsley made a great pass to Kate Friesen on the point, Kate wired a shot on net that took a gratuitous bounce off of one of the Hawk forwards. With time winding down in the second frame, Ginny Grenier finished off a beautiful passing play, by one-timing it past the Caps netminder. Drawing the assists on that tic-tac-toe play were Jenai Buchanan and Kate Friesen. Despite the back and forth action, the score remained 3-1 for the duration of the third, thanks to some stellar goaltending and excellent rebound control by Corinne Schroeder, as well as the rock solid defensive pairings. The chemistry among the lines seems to be developing early, and everyone is contributing, culminating in some great team play.
Saturday, October 4th, saw the lady Hawks host the always tough Westman Wildcats in Morden. Coming off a big win Friday night, the Hawks looked to carry that momentum forward against the Wildcats. Unfortunately the girls didn't get that memo, and decided to let their opponents dictate the play for the opening frame. After finding themselves down two goals before the halfway mark of the first period, the girls finally managed some sustained pressure on a good forechecking shift by the Thiessen-Alderson-Heppner line, which managed to bang away at the front of the net until Alyssa was able to sneak it past the Westman goaltender. Getting the assist on the play was Katie. Despite getting a couple of powerplay situations in the second period, the Hawks couldn't muster many more shots on net, and saw the lead remain 2-1 going into the third period. The girls seemed to have more life in the third, but it seemed like it would be one of "those games" when, with just over five minutes left in the Wildcats once again found the back of the net, extending their cushion to two goals. Not be shown up in their own barn, the ladies decided to really push back and were rewarded when, only a minute later, Burgandy Thiessen, behind Westman's goal line, found a pinching Kate Friesen, who whistled a shot off the post and in, cutting the lead to one. Then, with time winding down and a late powerplay opportunity, Coach Jeff called Corinne to the bench for the extra attacker. As Corinne rushed to the bench, Mackenzie found a streaking Chelsea in open ice. Chelsea took the pass and raced down the middle of the rink and unleashed a quick wristshot, and with 12 seconds left in the game, beat the goalie, sending the hometown crowd to their feet. Finding the back of the net with two quick goals swung the momentum in the Hawks favour, heading into overtime. Unfortunately, after playing solid four on four hockey in the extra frame, the girls ultimately surrendered the final goal with only 36 seconds left in OT, giving the visitors a 4-3 final.
The three games in three days set came to a close Sunday afternoon, in St. Adolphe as the PV Hawks took on the host Eastman Selects. The game was unexpectedly delayed as we waited for officials, but the game eventually started. Ready to put the last day's game in the rearview mirror, the girls looked to establish their style of game early, and that's exactly what they did. Just over half way through the first period, taking a great pass from Brooklyn Platt, Brooklyn Major put the Hawks on the board, lifting a great wrist shot over the sprawled Selects netminder. Proving that their chemistry was no fluke, three minutes later it would be Platt and Major who would strike again. Platt, who walked into the high slot, fired a shot on net that was kicked to the side, only to land on Major's stick, who was ready on the doorstep. Major made no mistake, firing it home for her second goal of the period. Even though the Hawks kept applying pressure, outshooting their opponent 15-5 in the first period, the Eastman goalie managed to keep the Selects in the game, trailing by only two after one period of play. Much like the first period, the second frame saw a lot of physical play by both teams. Six minutes into the second period, after a strong rush by defenseman Kate Friesen, a shot on goal resulted in a scramble in front of the net, where Katie Heppner found the puck just out of reach of the Eastman netminder. Slapping at it, she managed to squeeze it through the outstretched goalie, extending the lead to three goals. Drawing the assists were Friesen and Alyssa Alderson. Not going down without a fight, the Selects kept pressing and were finally rewarded with a goal of their own at the 12:21 mark of the second. That's as close as they would come, as just over nine minutes to play in the third period, Megan Neduzak fired an unassisted shot from the point. The shot, which hit the inside of the post, bounced off the back of the goalie and into the net, giving Megan her first goal of the season. Taylor Reimer played a fantastic game in the Hawks net, not giving Eastman any rebounds, while making 33 saves in the process. Next up is the home tournament starting Friday Oct 10th.
Game 1 of the Pembina Valley Hawks home showcase saw the Hawks play as the visiting team against the Norman Wild with a 4:30 start time. The girls played a very strong first period, taking the lead 13 minutes into the game, when Ginny Grenier scored, continuing on with her strong play early on in the season, getting some help from Chelsea Dearsley and Jenai Buchanan. Then, with time winding down in the first period, Chelsea Dearsley got rewarded with a goal of her own, with assists from Ginny and Lindsay. The shots on goal were a heavily favoured 19-1 in favour of the Hawks, with Kerigan Dowhy standing tall in net for the Wild. The second period saw a slight shift in shots, with the girls firing 14 shots on the Wild netminder, only to be turned away at every opportunity. The only scoring in the second frame came from The Wild, who capitalized on an errant pass that they managed to squeak past a well positoned Taylor Reimer. That would be all the damage they could muster as Taylor would shut the door for the rest of the game, facing 18 shots in the victory. Pembina Valley would add another two goals in the third with Ginny notching her second goal and third point of the game eight and a half minutes into the third, on a great feed by her linemate Lindsay. Not to be left off the scoresheet, Brooklyn Platt scored yet again, when Brookly Major made a strong pass to the Captain on the blueline, where Kate unleashed a cannon that Platt tipped past the Wild goalie. The final score was 4-1, with a 48-18 shots on goal differential.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations to Brooklyn Platt, the first player of the week award winner from the MFMHL!! Great job Brooklyn, awesome recognition for your hard work! Here's the article from the MFMHL website...
MFMHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Week ending October 5, 2014
The initial MFMHL SOURCE FOR SPORTS-REEBOK Player of the Week for the 2014-15 Season is Brooklyn Platt of the Pembina Valley Hawks. Platt a 5'3" first year forward who hails from Carman Mb. notched 4 points in 3 games while playing solid two way hockey to help the defending MFMHL Champion Hawks pick up a possible 7 of 9 points with 2 wins and an OT loss.
Congratulations Brooklyn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
In their second game of the showcase, the Hawks squared off against the always dangerous St Mary's Academy Flames, on Saturday morning at 9:00. Not long into the game, it seemed evident that the game would be a tightly contested defensive battle. Both teams battled hard, with not much to show for the intensity with which they played. Altough the play was quick and featured back and forth momentum shifts, neither team was willing to concede the first goal. After the first period the score sat even at 0-0, with the home team Hawks edging out a 9-6 shots on goal differential. The second period saw much of the same defensive mindset that was evident in the first. The Flames were a fast skating, skilled squad, but they weren't able to generate the offense that they were used to, and tough physical play dominated this match. Although there were a total of four penalties called in the first, the second period saw that double to eight in the second frame alone. Despite the number of penalties and even a few 5 on 3 opportunites, neither team could capitalize, as both net minders played superb, stopping all the rubber directed at their respective nets. The third period saw more of the same defensive matchups, and while each team only managed six shots on net, the anticipation of a tightly contested match, coupled with the knowledge that one goal would likely be all that it would take, only heightened the tension. The Hawks managed to ring a few off of the iron, but in the end the goal posts would be the only winners, as the two teams settled for a scoreless tie. Great goaltending by Corinne and excellent defense by the blueliners kept the Flames off of the scoreboard.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pembina Valley's third game saw them face off against a new rival, the Lloydminster PWM Steelers. The game started at 5:00, which meant that after an early start Saturday morning, and following a quick team meal, a team picture and some individual shots as well as an afternoon rest, the girls were facing a long day. Perhaps the first period showed some of that fatigue, as instead of coming out with as much intensity as normal, the girls seemed a little flat. They managed eight shots on the Steelers goaltender, but not a lot of quality chances were manufactured. After not playing at the level they are used to displaying in the first, the girls came out clicking in the second, not only out-shooting their opponent 15-4, but many of them being quality scoring chances. Early in the second frame, Kate Friesen continued her torrid point-scoring pace as she took a pass from none other than Brooklyn Platt, and fired one through the goalie, and into the back of the net. Despite the numerous scoring chances, Lloydminster's goalie thwarted every other attempt to allow Pembina Valley to add to their lead. Unfortunately for her though, the onslaught continued into the third stanza, where two more Hawks goals sealed the deal. Nearly four minutes into the third, rookie Sage McElroy-Scott tallied her first of the season, with a great little pass from Brooklyn Platt. Then, with time winding down, Lindsay Michiels scored her first of the season, when Ginny passed to her in the high slot, where she made no mistake on her wrist shot. Continuing on where they left off with St. Mary's, the strong defensive corps kept their opponents at bay, not allowing many meaningful chances, but knowing that the always steady Taylor Reimer was there. Taylor played terrific in net, turning aside every shot she faced, earning her first shut-out of the season.
The fourth and final game of the showcase saw the Hawks take on a banged up Yellowhead squad. With five girls missing from their roster, due to some injuries and an automobile accident, the Chiefs faced off against a Hawks squad that was looking to end their home showcase on a high note. The game started with some great, quick, back and forth rushes and although the quality scoring chances were slim, the Hawks made no mistakes on their opportunities. Halfway through the first frame, after a rush by Katelyn Heppner, who got stood up by the Chief, she recovered finding Burgandy Thiessen in the low slot. Burgandy made no mistake, scoring her first of the season, burying the puck past the Yellowhead netminder, Miranda Cook. With 5:03 left in the first, Alyssa Alderson was rewarded with with a goal of her own, capping what would be one of her best games of the season, lifting a high wrist shot which the Chiefs backstopper mishandled and found it's way across the goal line. Drawing the assist on Alyssa's goal was Katie Heppner. The score after the first was 2-0. The second period saw Yellowhead keep pressing, but up to the task was Corinne Schroeder, who was seeking her second straight shut-out. Pembina Valley had chances of their own, but looking to atone for two early goals, Cook also shut the door, leaving the score after two periods of play, 2-0. Unfortunately Jenai Buchanan had to the leave the game in the second with an upper body injury, after accidently being taken down and hitting her head on the ice. WIth the shots being an equal 7-7 in the third period, the game went back and forth, but with Corinne standing firm, denying all opportunities for Yellowhead to break the goose egg, the Chiefs would end up going home emptyhanded. The Hawks, despite being outshot 28-21, found themselves on the winning end again, capping off a successful home showcase, with a 3-0-1 record. Great job Hawks!! A special thanks goes out to the tournament organizers and host committee who made it a wonderful weekend. Thanks for your hard work! The Hawks would like to wish everyone a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!
The early morning of Oct 18th saw the girls, coaches and some dedicated parents board the bus for the long road trip up north, to Thompson, MB. The long bus ride meant that there could be some residual travel lag for game number one versus the Norman Wild, and that seemed to be the case as the girls took to the ice. Despite outshooting their opponent 34-24, Norman was able to come away with the victory, with a score of 4-2. Period number one saw some opportunities, but no scoring. In the second frame, the Wild scored first, just over four minutes in. After some more back and forth action, Norman would see their lead extend to two when they once again found the back of the net. Just over a minute later, the Hawks found their scoring touch when Abbey Bridges scored her first of year with an assist going to Lindsay Michiels. Hoping to build on that momentum in the third period, the girls started strong and were rewarded with the equalizer 40 seconds into the frame, when Brooklyn Platt scored with assists coming from Alyssa Alderson and Katie Heppner. Despite the pressure of evening the score, the Wild were able to respond beating Taylor Reimer with only 1:27 left on the clock. Pulling Taylor for the extra attacker didn't work this time though, when just before the final buzzer went, the Wild were able to put the game away, sliding the puck down the ice into the empty net. Despite making some great saves, turning away 21 shots, Taylor Reimer took the hard-luck loss in net.
Game two of the northern road trip saw a much different Hawks team, with having a good team supper and a good night's rest. Not wanting a long bus ride home with the dejection of a two game road series loss, the girls looked fresh and ready to avenge the previous night's defeat. With Burgandy Thiessen back in the line up and despite being short-handed with Chelsea Dearsley and Jenai Buchanan, the lady Hawks were ready to play some strong Pembina Valley hockey. Right out of the gate it was obvious who wanted to win this game more. Sage got the girls on the scoresheet first when she swatted away at a loose puck to put the Hawks up in the first period. Next up was Lindsay, who took a feed from Ginny and Kate to put the girls up by two. There was no scoring in the second. In the third, Norman responded with a goal of their own to cut the lead to one, but not long after that, it was Brooklyn Major who once again found a way past the always tough Norman netminder Kerigan Dowhy, after taking a pass from Kate Friesen. That would prove to be enough as the Hawks downed the WIld to even the season series at once a piece, and guarantee the bus ride back home to much more pleasant one. The final tally for shots on goal were 56-15 in favour of Pembina Valley. Corinne Schroeder sealed the win, allowing only one goal on 15 shots.
Oct 24th saw the Hawks take on the always strong Balmoral Hall Blazers. The girls played without the defensive services of Jenai Buchanan, who sat for the fourth straight game. The girls played fairly well defensively but struggled to manage a lot of quality scoring chances throughout most of the game. There was no scoring in the first period, but Balmoral did manage to beat Corinne in the second period. Going into the third period down one, the Hawks pressed a little more, but once again it was Balmoral who found the back of the net, extending the lead to two. With only a few minutes left in the third frame, and the Hawks looking for a way to salvage the game, the puck took a funny deflection in the Pembina Valley zone, ending up on a Balmoral forward's stick in the high slot and the she made no mistake burying the puck for the Blazers third goal of the game. Corinne made 20 saves in a losing cause, with the final score being 3-0.
Sunday, October 26th saw the lady Hawks take on the Yellowhead Chiefs at Pilot Mound's Millenium Recreation Complex. The girls wore pink jerseys in support of Cancer Awareness Month. Yellowhead, up until the previous Friday, had not lost a regular season game this year. The Hawks, who were desperate to get back on the scoresheet and back in the win column, came out of the gate with a strong intensity and forced the Chiefs back on their heels early in the first. While they pressed hard, they came up empty, as did Yellowhead, leaving the score after one period, 0-0. The second period saw a lot of back and forth action, but very few shots, let alone scoring opportunities. When the Hawks were afforded a powerplay opportunity though, they worked the puck around in the attacking zone with authority. When Sage managed to dig the puck out of the corner, she slid the puck over to Brooklyn Platt, who saw Kate open on the blueline. Kate made no mistake as she fired a shot low, through traffic and between the Cheif's pads, to break the scoreless tie. The score remained 1-0 through the rest of the second. In the third, the Hawks continued carrying the play and dominating the puck possession game, keeping the game in check. When Yellowhead was able to manage any sort of attack, Taylor was there, absorbing all shots, not leaving any chance of a rebound. With their goalie relegated to the bench for the last minute and change, Yellowhead forced their way into the Pembina Valley zone, but that would be as close as they would get as the Hawks played terrific defense down the stretch not allowing that tying goal. The final shots on goal registered 21-10 in favour of the visitors, however our girls skated away on positive note with a 1-0 victory. Despite the shots on goal differential, the Hawks did carry most of the play, dominating the puck possession game, and Taylor playing her best game of the season so far. With practices coming up on Tuesday and Wednesday, the girls will be prepping for a big three game weekend, taking on Central Plains on Friday in Portage, Yellowhead on Saturday in Shoal Lake, and squaring off against the Avros Sunday afternoon.
Looking to build on some momentum from their Sunday afternoon win in Pilot Mound, the Hawks took to the road against Central Plains, at the BDO Centre for the Community in Portage la Prairie. The smaller confines of the old Portage barn were not kind to the Hawks on this night. With the limted number of goals that they Hawks had managed to put up on the scoreboard lately, the pressure to perform seemed heightened. The first period saw the Hawks come out strong, forcing the play for the first few minutes. That strong play, however did not continue through the first and before long it was the home team putting the girls back on their heels. Although there was no scoring in the first period of play, the Caps certainly led in scoring opportunities. In the second period it would be more of the same, with Central Plains outshooting the Hawks 8-2, with no real pressure by the visiting team. In this second frame, the Caps would finally capitalize on an opportunity when they managed to beat Corinne, halfway through the period. Not able to generate any substantial offensive threats, the Hawks went into the second intermission a little dejected. There must've been a good pep talk in the dressing room as the girls came out threatening in the third. Led by strong play by Chelsea, Lindsay and Ginny, some great forchecking made the Capitals cough up the puck, in their own end. The puck found itself on Mackenzie's stick who slid the puck into the high slot where Chelsea, back to the net, spun around and rifled a shot that beat the Caps netminder high on the glove side. This got the girls fired up and led to more chances. Unfortunately, with time winding down, Central Plains once again swung the momentum in their favour with pressure of their own, but Corinne was up to the task. As time wound down, it was evident that extra time would be needed. The four on four overtime period saw no sustained pressure from either team, so a shoot-out would be needed to solve this stalemate. The Caps first shooter was unable to beat Corinne, and Mackenzie wasn't able to solve their goalie. The Central Plains next shooter beat Corinne, five hole. Sage made a great move on the Caps netminder, only to find her shot go just wide of the net. Corinne made the next save, so it was do or die for the Hawks. Katie went right to left and found an opening shooting low and beating the goalie five hole. With the next round, the Capitals sent the speedy McVannel in again, who with a great fake, beat Corinne putting the pressure back on the Hawks next shooter. Getting the call again was Katie, who made move to her backhand, narrowly missing the net, sending the Hawks home with a 2-1 defeat.
