Thunderhawks cap season undefeated provincial champs

The Niagara-on-the-Lake U22 Thunderhawks participated in the annual Ontario Lacrosse Festival in Whitby in games that began for them Aug. 2, tying their first game, and going on to win those that followed.

The tournament sees all age divisions from every minor association across the province participate for their respective championship. For the U22 team this was A level competition, the highest division.

Launched in 2004, the Ontario Lacrosse Festival is a 10-day event that hosts more than 500 box lacrosse teams and almost 10,000 athletes, featuring competitions for 42 provincial and national lacrosse championships for six to 21-year-olds.

The Thunderhawks started the tournament facing an unknown Gloucester Griffin team. After falling behind 3-1 starting the third period, they clawed their way back to a 4-4 tie, technically not a loss.

The second game of the contest wasn’t until the next morning versus a known opponent, Kawartha Lakes. The Thunderhawks stepped on the floor with a little more fervour and handled the weaker team for a final score of 11-3.

However, this created some over-confidence as they met their next opponent, Newmarket. The Thunderhawks fell behind 2-0 before tying the game, 2-2, moving into the third period, when calmer heads prevailed and they were able to outscore Newmarket 4-3 at the final buzzer.  

Achieving first place in their pool, the Thunderhawks next met their toughest opponent of the season, the Guelph Regals. The competition was fierce and the end of their season looked closer than they wished as Guelph entered the third period up 5-2.  Tough defensive play and extensive scoring opportunities allowed the Thunderhawks to score the tying goal with just 11 seconds left in the third period, sending the teams into overtime.

It was the overtime period where the Thunderhawks of the regular season shone through.  Smothering defence and offensive pressure allowed for a few posts to be rung, before the game-winner twisted the twine behind the Guelph goaltender’s back, hurling the Thunderhawks into the finals.

Their final was against their initial opponents, Gloucester. However, the results were much different this game. The Thunderhawks came out with the same intensity as they had finishing the previous game, something which the Griffins were unable to match. The Thunderhawks dominated the game from beginning to the end,
scoring four times to the Griffins’ one.  

Congratulations to the U22 Thunderhawks for an incredible, undefeated season and being the Ontario lacrosse A champions.