Black Hawks are making strides

The Houlton-Hodgdon Black Hawks played two games in two weeks, dropping both contests.
On Dec. 17, the Black Hawks hosted John Bapst and ended up on the wrong end of an 8-0 score. While the score seemed lopsided, the Black Hawks, according to coach Joel Trick, “did a good job of staying with the more experienced Crusader squad.”
    After the first period of play John Bapst led by a 1-0 score. The second period found the youth of the Black Hawks showing as the Crusaders tacked on four more goals to widen the lead to 5-0. In the third period, John Bapst added three more goals to end the game.
The Black Hawks’ Payton Porter and Hugh Farrar faced 42 shots in the net and the Black Hawks put 34 shots on the Crusader netminders.
Last Tuesday, the Black Hawks traveled to Presque Isle to take on the Wildcats in a County rivalry. Presque Isle scored four goals in the first 6:49 of play and the Black Hawks couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
Lucas Grant scored for Houlton-Hodgdon, assisted by Jimmy Fitzpatrick to make the score 4-1 after the first period. The second period saw D.J. McGary score a power-play goal, but the Wildcats scored twice to make it 6-2 after the second period.
In the third, the Black Hawks, according to Trickey, “seemed to take a huge step in their understanding of how much effort it takes to play at the varsity level,” winning the period by a 3-2 score to make the final 8-5 Presque Isle.
J. Fitzpatrick tallied a goal and Sam Fitzpatrick netted a brace, assisted by Fitzpatrick. Defenseman Cole McLaughlin assisted on Fitzpatrick’s goal. Farrar faced 44 shots and the Black Hawks sent 21 shots on the Wildcat goalie.
“Our inexperience is still showing as we haven’t put together a full 45-minute effort yet this season,” said Trickey. “The kids are making giant strides in their effort and understanding of the game at this level and we are improving every practice and game. Hopefully, we’ll have the breakthrough that will bring us a playoff spot this season very soon.”