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Huron Expositor, 2007-03-28, Page 14Page 14 March 28, 2007 • The Huron Expositor Hitmen win consolation gold at nationals Susan Hundertmark MEMEMEMIED The Central West Hitmen juvenile broomball team won consolation gold at the Canadian Juvenile Broomball Championships in Regina, Sask. last week. "It's satisfying but we were hoping for the other gold. We thought we had a good enough team to win it all," says coach Rob Hunking. While the Hitmen finished second in a qualifying tournament in November after losing the decisive game in sudden -death overtime, they made it to the nation- als after several teams from the east coast dropped out due to the expenses of travel. The Hitmen had a slow start at the nationals, losing their first game to the Saskatchewan Odessa Bandits 4-3 in overtime. "We were down 3-0 after the first period. It's too bad we had to count that first period," says Hunking. Next, the Hitmen lost their second game to the Quebec College L'Assumption Sphinx 2-1 and were eliminated from the A medal round. But, after dropping down into the consolation round, the Hitmen began a winning streak, starting with a 3-1 win against the Saskatchewan Bolgonie Clippers and then winning 7-0 to Team Manitoba. In the consolation play-off round, the Hitmen won against the Saskatchewan Estevan Raiders 3-0 and then won the gold medal game against the Clippers 3- 0. "It didn't come out the way we could have played but we're happy we medalled," says Hunking. Because the Hitmen placed third in the A round last year, the team didn't achieve the same level this year, since consolation gold is actually fifth place, says the coach. "We've always medalled one way or another but because every game counts, you've got to be ready to play," he says. Hitmen player Kevin Ryan was chosen to be hon- oured as a second team all-star at the nationals. "Kevin is a good defensive and offensive player. He's a steady all-round player who knows how to handle the ball," says Hunking. While the Hitmen have competed in the nationals six out of the -last eight years, Hunking says he's not sure if the team will gt again next year. "Next" year is going to be a major rebuilding year. since we're losing five of our best players. But, there are midget players moving up who could become excel- lent players," he says. Ironically, the nationals will be held within easy trav- elling distance in Windsor next year. "You can't win all the time. We'll have to wait and see," he says. Hitmen players come from Seaforth, Dublin, Staffa, Clinton and Blyth. Seaforth Houseleague Finals Susan Hundertmark photos Above, Paul Doig, of the Bruins races down the ice with the puck, flanked by Eric Van Doornik of the Panthers during the final tournament of the season Saturday for Seaforth's houseleague hock- ey. The Bruins lost to the Panthers 6-4 in the Senior B finals while the Blues beat the Ducks 1-0 in Senior A finals. At right, Mark Metzger, of the Leafs and Justin Beuermann, of the Sharks, fight over the puck during the Junior A finals, which the Leafs won 6- 2. The Junior B finals were won by the Oilers over the Kings 6-5.