The Red Hawks boys curling team dominated on the way to its second straight COSSA title March 9.
The Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) team of skip Jacob Dobson, vice Liam Little, second Corin Gervais and rookie Owen Nichols went 3-0 on the day, including a 7-1 victory in five ends in the final to earn a spot at provincial OFSAA competition.
“We were able to shoot quite well,” Dobson said of the final against East Northumberland, who conceded early. “Hammered them to just keep putting the pressure on throughout the entire game.”
OFSAA was scheduled for March 25-28 but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Hawks hockey comeback falls short
The Red Hawks boys hockey team had a comeback attempt come just short in the Kawartha semi-finals against the Cobourg Wolves, losing 4-3 in overtime March 3.
Coach Jason Morissette said the team fell behind early, down 3-0 in the first period despite good play. But goals from Lucas Haedicke, Braeden Robinson and a final, tying goal from Haedicke in the third allowed the team to storm back.
But the Hawks could not prevail during 3-on-3 overtime, with a near-breakaway pass for the Hawks getting turned over and ending up in the back of their net.
“I can say this is one of the top games of hockey I’ve seen any group of young players at the high school level here [play],” Morissette said. “A lot of teams at 3-0 against a team of that calibre, would have just said ‘I’m done.’”
Cobourg went on to win Kawarthas, defeating St. Mary’s 9-2 in the final.
Morissette said the team put everything out on the ice.
“I told the seniors that are graduating, I will always be proud of you and I will always shake your hand saying, ‘you finished it with a lot of Red Hawk pride.’”
Wrestlers compete at provincials
HHSS sent two wrestlers to provincials March 2-4 who competed well despite not reaching the podium, according to coach Paul Klose.
Nic Graham went 2-1 in the 89kg on the first day to advance to day two. But his tournament ended with a defeat in his next match. It was his fourth and final year of wrestling.
“He has shown continued development and represented Hal High proudly,” Klose said.
Eli Samson finished provincials with a 2-2 record in the 83kg.
“The experience will serve him well in the future,” Klose said. “Both Nic and Eli represented Hal High with class and pride.”
