Hawks remain undefeated through regulation, drop Bombers 4-0

COLUMBUS, OH - The Hawks and Bombers took the ice tonight determined to convince North America that Columbus is a hockey town, despite the Blue Jackets troubles. Yes, Detroit is hockey town. It's also true that Minnesota is a hot bed of hockey talent and Wisconsin is the red-headed stepchild, at least according to Hawks defenseman Nick Lanctot. The Ukraine has developed skill of its own with the likes of Oleg 'Epic Win' Chetverikov, but so too has the good US of A. This here beat-writer remembers a time when there was limited hockey in town, with two sheets of ice and a normal reaction of, "you play WHAT?" That all changed when Doug MacLean infested the city with a sport that continues to thrive, regardless of more L's than W's.

You aren't here to read about that, however. You're here to read about the CAHL's finest division, the Friday night C2 league, home of talent like Mark Monahan, Tom Morgan, Jason Jensen, Bryan Wharton, Mark Waterstreet, James Chronic and the mercurial netminder Brandon Manzioni (did I spell that right?). The Chiller has evolved into a stellar blend of hockey passion and I for one am damn proud of our city's love for the game. I remember Scott Adamick running the show. Bob Ballageron (really butchered that name, I'm sure) and even ref Gary from the IceHaus pouring their heart and soul into developing the league into what it it today.

There are over 100 adult teams fighting it out on the ice each week. We should be thankful John McConnell had the wherewithal to stone up and bring us an NHL franchise, netting a district we can all be proud of. Even if guys like Mac Lawless and John 'One and Done' Ryder call it home.

Tonight's game was just another example of just how far this city had come. There was great sportsmanship on full display tonight, as the Hawks and Bombers traded blows for just another paltry Friday night beer league game. Before each team took the ice, they exchanged banter with the previous teams, the Big Pucks and their cool new sweaters and the Eskimos, who've struggled a bit but will be tough to play in the playoffs.

Game action was tight for the first 19 minutes as both the Bombers and Hawks wiggled their way into offensive groove. Both goalies stood tall, turning away scoring chances to keep their team in the game. The Hawks were determined to keep James Chronic off the score sheet early, keeping tight checking on him all night.

Second line left wing Tom Morgan opened the scoring at the five minute mark of the second with a brilliant goal scorer's goal from the left face off-dot. Morgan carried the puck, wheeled and rifled a wrister over the Bombers goalie's blocker side shoulder. He never saw the puck. Morgan added another brilliant invisible tally later in the third period through traffic and the route was on.

Kudos to the Bombers. They played a solid game, despite the final four goal differential. Netminder Brian Prescott made many quality saves from all over the ice. The back breaker came with just :15 seconds left in the second period when Nate Mensel broke into the zone with speed, potting a goal five-hole to give the Hawks a two goal advantage.

Hawks goaltender Jason Jensen made 24 saves and notched his first shutout of the session. Jensen had a long day of air travel but was poised in net, giving the Hawks defense confidence to join the rush.

Mac Lawless, Nick Lanctot and Mike Gauthier manned the blue line in excellent fashion, keeping the Bombers power forwards from premium scoring chances. Lanctot had several blue-line slap shots reminiscent of a speeding bus driven by Sandra Bullock.

Arrowhawk captain Mark Monahan missed the game, attending a family function in Louisville. Oleg Chetverikov and Nate Mensel handled the center duties, cycling through three wing tandems.

All told, the Hawks and Bombers played a swift game of North South hockey in front of at least six sleepy fans.

"So what if the Jackets are stuggling," said Arrowhawk Barry Snow after the game. "As long as I don't have beer poured on my head, it's all good." he added. No word whether Snow returned home and poured a beer of his own to celebrate the Hawks eighth win of the session.

"Big game next week," said Tom Morgan. "We've got the Leafs and it looks like they've got their offense back on track. They'll give us all we can handle."

Hawks down Bombers in opener

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Arrowhawks opened the fall session where they left off in the summer, with a 3-1 win against the stingy Bombers. But it was with a new cast. The story wasn't as much of who was there, but who wasn't. There were a total of 12 full time and subs missing from the lineup. Rumors they were all attending a Lady Gaga concert in Detroit were not confirmed. Filling in for many of the regulars were Kyle Sharkey and Tim "TIMMY" Pennington.

The Hawks ultimately ended up with 2 lines, a full line fewer than the Bombers.

"It looked like they had a lot of skaters out there," said defensman Mike Gauthier. "I tried to count them all but I lost count at 36. I may have counted a couple twice. I never was good at math." said Gooch.

The opening period and a half was a tight affair. Both goalies were up to the task, making several good saves. First line left wing Tom Morgan opened the scoring with an even strength goal at the 5:28 mark in the second period. Tim Pennington and Mark Monahan assisted on the play.

The Arrowhawks had two power play opportunities in the first period, but the Bombers defenseman came up big on the penalty kill.

"They are a good team," said Monahan. "We're glad we got them early because they have enough skill to give teams fits later on." he added.

Monahan scored the eventual game winner, potting a rebound past the Bombers netminder. Kyle Sharkey jumped into the play from his defensive spot and Monahan was there to finish. The Bombers didn't go quietly. They sustained steady pressure in the third period, firing many shots at Arrowhawk goaltender Jason Jensen.

Jensen returned to the pipes after skating out during the summer session.

"Jason was in rare form again," said Terry Walker who was great defensively. "He had a quick glove and smothered rebounds like a fat fifth grade protecting his lunch."

Rick Titus scored the Hawks third goal, burying a rebound in close quarters. "I watched the Ginger Wizard do it in the summer, so I figured I'd crash the net like Torsok usually does. I guess I got lucky."

Jensen made 19 saves on the night, before giving up a late goal in the final minutes. "I was screened on the play but should have made the save. Oh well, we got the win," said Jensen.

Click here for a full game report.

Hawks sprint to opening round win

DUBLIN, OH - The Arrowhawks scored three times in the first period and held on to defeat the skilled Bombers 3-1 Friday before at least a dozen fans. The defense played excellent in front of goaltender James Santho. It took a late power play goal with :10 seconds left to get the Bombers on the board. Tom Morgan was called for tripping and the Bombers pulled their goalie to get the goal. All three lines contributed to the Hawks win, according to those in attendance. The official Arrowhawk blog staff was busy trying to put together a new tent and couldn't be in attendance.

"I don't need instructions," said the Hawks beat reporter from the hills of Eastern Ohio as his wife stood by laughing. "Hey kids! Put together my tent by the light of the moon. I'll give you a merit badge!" said utility player Rick Titus from his Coleman chair.

Bryan Wharton, Barry Snow and Kevin Griffith were the goal scorers tonight. Assists came from Mike Gauthier, TRON, Griffith and defenseman Mac Lawless.

Arrowhawk captain Mark Monahan was a late scratch.

"Apparently he got distracted with a better offer and nearly burned down his house," said Morgan. "We're just glad his mouthpiece wasn't responsible for an expensive insurance claim and he and his family were ok," he added. Reportedly the skilled two-way center was trying to cure a new mouthpiece and fell asleep watching international stock market action on the internet.

"I couldn't decide if I should buy or sell," said the relieved Monahan after saving the day by squirting the blaze with three cases of PBR. "It's a shame I had to waste all that beer but it's what I had close." he admitted.

After the win, I'd buy Arrowhawk playoff stock for sure.

Lanctot and Factor scratched.
Minnesota Nick Lanctot missed the night's game. So did Joe Factor. The two core players were missed, but the rest of the guys apparently picked them up, skating their way to an impressive win. Lanctot was preparing for a triathlon and Factor was playing lead guitar in a weekend-long XBox Guitar Band marathon. No word if Factor is really any good.

Playoff snapshot

Four of the six playoff teams will be in action Friday. The two top seeds, Whalers (1) and Eskimos (2) will be home holding down their couches, sweating in anticipation of their following Friday opponent. With that, let's break down Friday's 2 playoff games.

Maple Leafs #3 (7-5) -vs- Rirruto #6 (7-5)
Rirruto is coming off a three game win streak to close the session, including an impressive 5-3 win over the defending champ Freakin' Eskimos and their yellow sweaters. They've scored 13 goals and have only given up 5 during that span. The closest game was against the amazingly fantastic Arrowhawks and their super cool red sweaters (and goofy socks).

The only downside? Rirruto has been outscored 12-3 and has lost both contests against the Leafs this session. The games were not close.

Prediction? Rirruto fight hard but come up a goal short. Leafs center Johnny Red-Pants Mark Waterstreet leads the Leafs to a 4-3 win.

Bombers #4 (7-5) -vs - Arrowhawks #5 (7-5)
This will be a tight one. Both regular session games were decided by a goal, more or less (technically the Bombers defeated the Hawks 4-2 in their last game but got a late empty netter to ice the game).

"A goal is a goal, " said Arrowhawk captain Mark Monahan. "I can't believe we lost the tie-breaker to them based on that empty netter."

Finishing below the Bombers in the seeding means the Bombers are the home team and they'll wear their crimson sweaters. The Hawks will wear their vintage black sweaters.

"Who cares," said defenseman Mike Gauthier. "As long as my socks match, we're good. We've won 4 championships in black."

Statistically the teams are tight. They are within a point of each other in goal differential, goals scored and goals allowed. The top two point men in the league are Kevin Griffith (Hawks) and James Chomic (Bombers), both capable of taking the game over.

The difference will likely be between the pipes. Arrowhawks netminder James Santho has a 1.2 advantage in goals against. If the Hawks have their regular defenseman, they should be able to contain Chomic and Co.

Prediction? Hawks 3 Bombers 2. Excellent goaltending by both clubs but Mike Gauthier's blast from the point is the difference.

"Did you say blast or gas?" asked a confused Mac Lawless. "Must have been the latter..." he snipped.

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If that stellar breakdown of upcoming hockey action wasn't entirely satisfying (like watching Gooch trying to break-up a 2-1 odd man rush), maybe this'll fit the bill: Good Blue Jacket read on top prospect Ryan Johansen.

Hawks slide continues, per Bombers

Well, the once-promising Hawks' summer session has reached a tipping point. The squad dropped their fourth game in their last five to the suddenly dangerous Bombers and with the playoffs approaching,the team is looking for answers. Even after reverting to their black retro sweaters for the showdown, little is going right for the Hawks as they stumble toward the post season like Elvis toward a Memphis donut shop.

The Hawks had the better of the play as the game got rolling but both netminders took care of business in their ends. Late in the first, league leading scorer Kevin Griffith was assessed a (more than questionable) minor for interference. "I was skating toward the puck and their guy fell down. Why the hell is that a penalty?" asked the always cleanly shaven Kevin. On the ensuing power play, the Bombers managed an odd-man rush and finished cleanly to take a 1-0 lead. "That was a cheapy" sighed a despondent Jamie Santho after the game. "I thought my Leprechaun mask would intimidate them into shooting it wide, but I guess it didn't work." The Hawks would try to pick up their young goaltender as the game progressed, but things would soon get worse.

Midway through the second, Arrowhawks part-time defenseman Tommy Parker III started a sweet breakout up the middle. Tommy's pass hit the open man, who then passed it off to a winger who banged in the second goal of the game off the post and the goalie's back. Problem is that Tommy was playing for the Bombers on this particular Friday. So, instead of being tied, the Hawks were down 2-0. "What a load of BS" said a visibly offended John Kenyon. "Just because Tommy only had a red sweater doesn't mean he should play for the Bombers instead of us. He could have borrowed Mark's "too-small for Gooch" jersey and really made a difference out there for us tonight." As it was, Gooch was particularly aerodynamic in the black sweater he borrowed from the captain.

The Hawks fell behind 3-0 on a sweet individual effort by some dude from the Bombers. Breakout, to a 2 on 1, to a breakaway with a D-man draped all over him, dude finished with just his left hand as our defender tried to violate him. Didn't work and the Hawks couldn't catch up. Even with a 6 on 4 in the last 1:35, the Hawks couldn't pot one to tie it, and the Bombers topped off the night with an empty-netter as time expired. "There's a good chance we get them in the first round of the playoffs," said Assistant captain Tom Morgan who was on vacation at a New Mexico cactus farm. "They better be ready, because Kenyon is ready to bring the pain."

Summer Hawk Bryan Wharton, who loves to see his name on the blog, was seen having beers and wings with the Bombers at the Easton Champps after the game. "I like these dudes, even if they beat us. Plus it's Fried Food Friday and I'm going to order some Kobe Beef sliders. You want one?" This intrepid game reporter passed on that slider, and headed home to figure out what the Hawks need to do to get back on track.

Minnesota tool diffuses Bombers

COLUMBUS, OH - The fourth game of the summer session is in the fold. The Arrowhawks, having lost their last game 7-3 to Rizzuithi or something like that, were determined to notch a W this week. Their opponent was the stingy Bombers and their really swanky maroon sweaters (though they were away and likely looked like a ragtag bunch tonight).

New Arrowhawk Bryan Wharton #27 scored :43 seconds into the game. Wasn't there so I didn't see it, but I'm sure it went something like this: Puck drops. Wharton wins faceoff. Back to Snow who passes to Morgan who skates hard into zone. Throws it back to Snow who launches a one-timer to the net. Rebound short side, Wharton pots it.

Bombers bench lets out a collective gasp.

Thing is, the Bombers are a tough bunch. Tommy Parker is a solid player and thier goalie is stout and technically gifted (yeah, like I would know if a goalie was technically gifted. I couldn't score a goal on that blue plastic practice goalie with 25 pucks.)

The Bombers ignited the scoreboard 6 minutes into the second period with a beautiful tick-tack-toe goal by #18 Sucharski. The puck bounced off Arrowhawk goalie James Santho's head twice before falling in the net. Defenseman Mike Gauthier was distracted by one of the Bombers who wore socks that didn't match.

"That's just not right," said Gooch after the game. "I hate it when guys can't at least match their hues, picking light and dark socks." he admitted in disgust.

5 minutes later Wharton lit the lamp again, this time on an unassisted effort. The score was 2-1 Hawks heading into the final frame. The Bombers evened the game four minutes into the 3rd when #16 James Chomic took a feed from Sucharski and slid the puck past a diving Santho. Suddenly the three person crowd woke up and one guy even stood up and clapped for more exciting hockey action.

"You guys are really freakin' good!" he screamed.

Top line Arrowhawk defenseman Minnesota Nick Lanctot heard the rallying cry and scored the game winner with 5 minutes to go in the game. His shot is harder than... (softball, you take it) and probably took a shot so hard everyone ducked, including the aforementioned Bomber stout goalie and all his technical brilliance. Either that or Lanctot fired it off a skate in front and it somehow found the back of the net. Either way, he gets the game winner.

"What can I say? The boys came to play tonight and I'm glad because I was traveling all week. I watched Kevin shave his head in the locker room before the game and I saw the dedication in his eyes," said Lanctot. "I knew I had to score a goal for him or he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. Thats what teammates do, they take care of each other. I'm like a warm freakin blanket for these cold bunch of sacks."

Both goalies and defenses played well, killing off all 4 power plays each. Barry Snow didn't break any sticks. Tron had his first penalty, a roughing call in the first. For the entire boxscore, click here.

Hawks bomb bombers 9-1

GAHANNA, OH - The Hawks brought the big guns tonight. It was clear early that if the Bombers were going to make the contest a fair tilt it would require keeping the puck away from the Hawks skill players. Problem was, there were many players to keep the puck from.

For the first time in several sessions Bryan Griffith was on the ice to complete the top line of Griffith, Griffith and Griffith. His presence was felt by his brothers as they skated with more energy than they had in two previous sessions. It was like reuniting the Beatles for a battle of the bands at the local club -- no contest. The top line blitzed the Bombers defensive core time and time again, leading to many early (and late) scoring chances.

"We knew early we had our 'A' game tonight," said Jason Torsok. "We were not going to be beat unless their goalie stood on his head all night." he added.

All lines were on tonight for the Hawks. It was close through the first 10 minutes of play but the flood gates opened after Chris Carpenter burried a one-time deflection from a perfect Mac Lawless feed into a wide open net. The goal wound up being the game winner on a night full of Arrowhawk tilted ice.

We'll break down all the goal scorers later. Just know that the Hawks were a man among boys on this night. Goaltender Jason Jensen wasn't tested often but when he was, he was fabulous.