Law firm 4, Rucks 3

LEWIS CENTER, OH - The Arrowhawks, sporting their high-tech white third sweaters, advanced to the second round of the CAHL C2 playoffs, defeating the Ruckmoore Ringers 4-3, Friday. The Hawks started slow and gave up the first goal to the Rucks before the top line of Kevin Griffith, Bryce Griffith and Bryan Griffith found their groove. Or maybe it was just #36.

Bryce Griffith notched the third hat trick of his career in a smothering performance by the Law Firm line.

"We sucked at the beginning," said Bryce Griffith immediately after being introduced to the 4 fans in attendance as first star. "We just kept chipping away at it until we found our stride. Kevin was good in the corners and Bryan skates fast in white so that was good." he added.

The Rucks had their chances. Plenty of them to be exact. Hawk netminder Jason Jensen was sharp, turning away 28 shots including two breakaways. Mac Lawless made a spectacular hustle play to break up one of the chances. He was whistled for a penalty on the play but it was a good penalty to take. The Hawks killed the penalty.

The Hawks found themselves shorthanded four times during the game, killing off each without the Rucks scoring. Hawks third line forward Chris 'Jesus was a' Carpenter was called for hooking with only 1:36 left in the game.

"It was a bad penalty to take," said alternate captain Tom Morgan. "To go down a man in that situation isn't good. Especially against a good team like Ruckmoore. Luckily, we've got a great goalie and we skate super fast in our skin-tighty whites so we were literally all over the ice."

"I agree with Tom," admitted Carpenter. "Not a good way to finish, but I like drama and it made for a dramatic ending to the game."

"I don't like drama," said Jason Jensen. "Especially at the end of the game. I'll have to talk with Carp."

Nate Mensel skated on the second line with Oleg Chetverikov and Tom Morgan. Captain Mark Monahan is vacationing in Switzerland, trying to climb a really big mountain while learning "the entire Chinese language."

Terry Walker was moved back to defense "to make Lanctot look good."