Hamilton Hawks U15AA Win OWHL Gold to Cap Off Undefeated Season
The Hamilton Hawks U15AA team made history this past weekend by claiming the OWHL championship in Toronto. The Hawks completed a perfect season with a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory over Durham West Lightning on Sunday. Their undefeated run was nothing short of spectacular, and despite the challenging road to the gold medal, Coach Steve MacNeil emphasized that the win was well deserved.
The competition only grew fiercer as the playoffs progressed, with victories over Mississauga, Stoney Creek, and London leading up to the gold medal match. In the championship game, Hamilton delivered an outstanding performance. The team fought through a tough 5-on-3 penalty kill in overtime, and despite the mounting pressure, they secured the win in a hard-fought seven-player shootout. The tension was palpable, but the Hawks held their ground, pushing through exhaustion to claim the gold.
"This team is like no other," Coach MacNeil said, reflecting on the Hawks' exceptional season. “The core group has been together for approximately three years, and this team is so much more than just the group on the ice. Their unity both on and off the ice, have been the keys to their success. A lot of people ask me, ‘How is this team so successful?’ And I always say, yes, they're great hockey players, but the camaraderie in the team is undeniable.”
The Hawks’ success this season is a testament to their hard work and dedication, which began in the spring with 3v3 skill sessions and 5km fitness runs. However, this OWHL win holds a special place in their hearts, especially given that their season ended last year without a home.
"I can’t even express how I'm feeling today," MacNeil shared after the victory. “Looking back at what we've accomplished, it’s absolutely incredible. And it’s not just the kids and the players, it’s the parents, the coaches, the family, the friends, and the entire community of Hamilton.”
The OWHL championship is a monumental achievement, and MacNeil believes its true significance will become clearer with time. “I don’t think they’ll fully understand it until they get older, but they will be OWHL Southern champions for the rest of their lives.”
For the Hamilton Hawks U15AA team, this victory marks a pinnacle in their hockey journey, and the memories of their triumph will stay with them for years to come.
Players: Amber Smith, Ava Reinhart, Bronwyn Caithness, Brooklyn Pollard, Chloe Sturino, Elizabeth Piroli, Emily Thorpe, Gabby Catalano, Isabel Thomas, Kaitlyn Fortun, Laila Matthon, Macie Lagroterria, Michella McDermott, Reille Carman, Stella Bonner
Manager: Neville Thomas
Trainer: Makayla Colonna
