Bantam Blazers best Hawks

Despite being out-scored two of the three periods, the Boyle Bantam Blazers still found a way to beat the Athabasca Hawks 7-6 on Oct. 8. ;

The two teams faced off in an exhibition match for the first time this year, and for many it was the first competitive game of hockey before the official start of the 2016-17 hockey season. ;

;“Very first competitive game with the whole group, ” said Blazers head coach Andy Harnett. “A lot of new faces with some kids came up from Pee Wee. They ’ve never even played hitting yet. I don ’t even think they ’ve played systems before, so they did pretty good. After this game, we ’re definitely looking forward to the regular season. ” ;

The Hawks were the first on the board, netting themselves two straight goals in the first period from Shawn String and Utin Lighting. In the final 17 seconds, the Blazers were able to answer back with single-handed Ayva Bossel bringing the score within one for a 2-1 game. ;

The Blazers found themselves on quite the hot streak in the second period. The team capitalized on most of their scoring chances, putting up five goals against the Hawks and for a score of 6-3 to close out the period. ;

Keeping the momentum going, the Blazers fourth straight goal came from forward Logan Radmanovich - his third of the game. Harnett said after that, his team was a “little flat footed, ” with the Hawks scoring three straight goals in seven minutes to bring it within one. ;

Trailing by a goal going into the final minute, the Hawks pulled their goalie in a last-ditch effort to tie the game. However, the team was robbed of two great chances by Blazers goalie Lyndon Joyes in the last 30 seconds, giving Boyle the 7-6 victory. ;

“He had some pretty good saves, ” Harnett said. “He ’ll definitely have some bragging rights in Athabasca when he ’s back in school next week. ”