Nitehawk Down!!

This season, I had decided to NOT provided detailed game updates for away games, but tonight I will call an exception.

Its a situation you never want to see regardless of what level of hockey, or what side you are on. Tonights game had to be called as a late open ice hit on Nitehawk forward Brandon Butlin rendered him unconscious. He was wisked off to the hospital where he underwent x-rays. At last correspondence, it was relayed that Brandon was awake and responsive. He is being held overnight for observation but should be ok.

I have heard from both sides of this situation, and been informed that Nelson is distraught and remorseful. Nitehawks are thankful it isn’t worse than it is.

Once again, I would like to thank absolutely everyone who responded. I WILL pass along each and every message to Brandon personally once I get that chance.

Get well soon Buddy!!

Postgame: Leafs – 2 / Nitehawks – 8

It was a perfect home coming for Calvin as the Nitehawks dominated early and never let up for the entire 60 minutes.

Arie Postmus got things going 3 and a half minutes in from Dallas Calvin and newcomer Jordan Magico. BV would double their lead on the other end of the period on a goal from Connor Maloski before Colton McCarthy would finally break the goose egg for Nelson.

It was all BV in the 2nd as the powerplay would kick in. Taylor Stafford would get 2 and Kurt Black pitched in for another and Nelson finds themselves down 5-1 after 40.

Good pressure early in the third brought Nelson back to within 3, but BV slammed the door. Stafford, with his 3rd on the night, Brad Gaboury, and Luke Jones, with his first ever KIJHL goal, would round out the scoring and blow the Leafs back to Nelson with an 8-2 beating.

Five Nitehawks had multiple point games (Stafford 3G/1A, Postmus 1G/2A, Edwards 3A, Gaboury 1G/1A, Jones 1G/1A) while 8 others also had their hands in the pie.

Game Stars:

BV – Taylor Stafford – 3G/1A
BV – Kurt Black – 1G
BV – Brad Gaboury – 1G/ 1A

I’d like to take moment to congratulate Luke Jones on his first ever KIJHL goal last night, WELL DONE!!

Next up, Nelson…again!! This time the Hawks invade the NDCC. Game time is 7pm tonight!!!

Calvin Returns!! – Updated

I finally caught up with Dallas Calvin. Between practice and the gym, he turned out to be quite difficult to get a hold of.

When asked what caused the sudden change of heart to come back to hockey instead of continue with his current sport of baseball, he had this to say:

“Right now I have an injury to my arm and can’t pitch. That means I will be missing a lot of tournament games this fall.”

Now I can’t help but think that watching the boys dominate the Rebels on satuday night might have tugged on them old skate laces more than he expected, and coach agrees:

“I am partly NOT surprised by his decision.” says Hawks GM/Head Coach Terry Jones, “After being such a huge part of last years team, I think just seeing the team play this past weekend made the decision easier.”

Coach Jones also confirmed that Calvin will be in the line-up for friday nights game at home against Nelson.

I have to take a moment here and confess that I was a huge fan of Dallas last season. I was also dismayed when I learned of his decision to choose ball over puck. But now, hockey has pulled him back in because, as he himself put it, “Hockey is in my blood!”

Welcome Back Dallas!!