Hawks drop thriller to UW
Jamie Lambier.

In the much hyped Battle of Waterloo, a determined Warrior squad ended Laurier's play-off run Monday night at the Waterloo Rec Complex defeating the Golden Hawks 4-2 on an empty net goal by Brandon Moffat.

The Golden Hawks started the best two out of three series in fine form beating the Warriors 3-2 in the first game, yet were unable to hold on against an aggressive and determined Warrior squad.

Game 1 Feb. 26, Waterloo Rec Complex

WLU 3 UW 2

Laurier exploded in the first period with three quick goals. It appeared that the Golden Hawks, coming off a seven game winning streak, had the Warriors well in hand. "I thought we got off to a good start in game one," stated Golden Hawk head coach Tony Martindale, "we got off to a nice lead but they [Waterloo] started to make a game out of it in the second and third periods."

Unfortunately for the Hawks, they would not score another goal for the next five periods of the series. Waterloo added two more goals in the second and third but Golden Hawk netminder Frank Ivankovic stood firm handing Laurier game one.

In a bizarre turn of events, Waterloo scored probably one of the most unusual goals in recent OUA history. Waterloo's Mike McIlveen managed to score with two pucks late in the second. A puck stuck in the net during warm-up managed to find its way onto the ice much to the suprise of the Golden Hawk squad who, expecting a whistle, sat back and watched the Warriors score a controversial goal that brought the game within one. The official rule is that the play cannot be stopped by an object on the ice.

Game 2 Feb. 28, Columbia Ice Fields

WLU 1 UW 3

"Basically, Waterloo came out like Gangbusters," concluded Martindale after a disappointing loss to a very aggressive Waterloo squad. In the most physical game of the series, the Golden Hawks felt contained on the small ice surface at the Ice Fields.

The Hawks found themselves easier targets for the slower hard-hitting Warriors. "I told the guys between periods that we had to pick up the intensity on the ice. They (Waterloo) came out hitting, I told them we have to respond, we have to assert ourselves physically," stated Martindale.

Ironically it was Waterloo defenseman Matt Pomeroy who responded to Martindale's suggestion knocking Bob McQuat's helmet flying after a devastating mid-ice collision. By the time the Hawks found their stride, the Warriors had ripped open a two goal spread and were content to tie up the neutral zone and sit on their lead.

Late in the third period, Jeff Ambrosio snapped one under the arm of the near-perfect veteran Warrior net-minder Joe Harris. Unfortunately it wouldn't be enough and the Golden Hawks would have to settle with a 3-1 loss.

Game 3 March 1, Waterloo Rec Complex

WLU 2 UW 4

With the series tied at one a piece, Waterloo made the most of the momentum they gained the afternoon before and came out flying scoring twice in the first period. In a controversial decision, Martindale started Darryl Whyte replacing starting goaltender Frank Ivankovic. "Darryl deserved to play in a big game," stated Martindale. "He played great for us when Frank was in Europe (at the University World Championships) and asserted himself as one of the premier goaltenders in the OUA. Yet, hind-sight is twenty-twenty and unfortunately it worked against us tonight," concluded Martindale.

Laurier got their first point on the board late in the first period with a goal by Dave Kline bringing the Hawks within two.

A goal by Warrior, Brett Turner at 5:57 of the second brought Whyte out of the game to be replaced by Ivankovic who would hold the Warriors at bay for the rest of the game.

Freshman Rick White managed to knock a rebound by Joe Harris to bring the Golden Hawks within one late in the second period. White's goal sparked what appeared to be a definitive shift in the momentum of the game. The Hawks sent the Warriors scrambling in the third period forcing Waterloo into four desperate icing attempts in 5 minutes to slow the Hawk's offensive press.

Yet, veteran Waterloo netminder Joe Harris proved that he was OUA all-star worthy stopping 38 shots. "I think Harris played really well," confirmed Martindale," "he kept Waterloo in the game and maybe in the end the Warriors wanted it a little more."

An empty net goal solidified the Warrior lead and sent them packing to meet the Windsor Lancers in the Far West finals this Thursday night in Windsor.

On the Upside

In his first year as head coach, Tony Martindale was named OUA coach of the year. Tony played varsity hockey for the Golden Hawks from 1980-1984. He was also part of the 1982-83 team that was inducted in to the WLU Athletic Hall of fame. Graduating with an M.A from Ohio State in Athletic Administration, Martindale brought his coaching talents back to WLU. Martindale, instrumental in bringing a young Golden Hawk squad into post season play for the first time in five years, was reluctant to accept all the honours.

"When you win an award like this it really points to a great support staff. Guys like Rob Hooper who was instrumental in recruiting, Bryce Kipfer and Mark Pederson and all the training staff are the real winners of this award," offers Martindale. "But," Martindale concludes, "I would trade it in, in a second for another series with Waterloo."

Golden Hawk goaltender Frank Ivankovic was nominated to the OUA all star team. Ivankovic had a busy season this year playing for both the Golden Hawks and the Croatian national team in the University Championships this year in Slovakia. The Mississaugan native came to the Golden Hawks at Christmas last season from the London Knights and quickly proved himself to be one of the top goaltenders in the CIAU.

"What can I say about Frank, he's a great goaltender and one of the main reasons we got as far as we did this season," commented Martindale.