Golden Hawks take series opener with statement win

Tim Bates / OJHL Images

The Trenton Golden Hawks began their Buckland Cup title defence on Friday night, defeating the Lindsay Muskies 7–2 to open their first-round series at Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens.

Trenton established momentum early in a physical first period. Jamie Darlison started the scoring, and Daylen Moses added another later in the frame to give the Golden Hawks a 2–0 lead heading into the intermission.

“It was great. The intensity was awesome,” said Trenton captain Thomas Kuipers. “Our team came out strong in the first five minutes. Everyone was moving quickly, shifts were short, and guys were finishing their checks. We played a great game all the way around and got the result we wanted.”

In the second period, Trenton extended their lead on the power play through Lucas Di Giantommaso before Ajay Rai got the Muskies on the board.

The Golden Hawks responded quickly as Di Giantommaso struck again later in the period on a shorthanded breakaway, and veteran blueliner Duncan Schneider added another to push the lead to 5–1 heading into the third.

Although Lindsay was able to get one back in the final frame, Trenton’s offence was too much. Darlison scored his second of the night before rookie Kale Mace, who had a game-high six shots added a late tally with the man advantage to put the game well out of reach.

Despite the lopsided score, Kuipers admitted the game was closer than it looked.

“It was definitely a tighter game than that. They pushed hard and we had to earn everything tonight. Playoffs are a different level,” he said “This is a tough building for other teams to play in. The fans did an awesome job tonight. When they get going and we score a few goals, it gives the whole bench a boost.”

Olympic figure skater and hometown hero Trennt Michaud was also honoured in a special pre-game ceremonial faceoff before signing autographs for fans.

Di Giantommaso earned first-star honours with his five-point performance.

“His creativity and shiftiness are unreal,” Kuipers said. “He’s a great player and an even better teammate. Ever since he joined us, he’s been a factor. He's going to be huge for us in the playoffs.”

Hayden Jeffery made 18 saves in the win, while the penalty kill was near perfect.

Trenton outshot Lindsay 43-20, and went 2-for-10 on the power play. The clubs combined for 64 penalty minutes in the game.

All-Star defenceman Andrew Wycisk returned to the lineup, while OJHL-leading scorer Taeo Artichuk was unavailable.

“Our depth is huge,” Kuipers said. “You don’t win playoff series with just two or three guys. It takes the whole team.”

“I’ve been through it before, so I had an idea of what it was going to be like tonight. We’ve played them four times this year and we know what they bring. But it’s only the start, we’ve got a long way to go.”

Game 2 is set for Saturday night in Lindsay.