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."