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The Canadian Chamion, Tuaaday, Jaafl N9, 2002 -19 'A' minor atoms fali to Caledon, but keep series quite respectable By STEVE LeBLANO The Champion Milton't A minor atoma were winless through regular season play - so knock- ing off their fers-round opponients seemed highly unlilcely. With that in mi, the Nadalin Electnic Winterhawks focused as much on keeping their best-of-five clash with thse Caiedon Hawks respectable as actually playing the spoiler. In regard to thse former objective, the local rink rats certainly came through - staving off humiliation as every tuin and aimoat puahing the series to a fifth gamne. But heartbreak would rear its ugly head as Meinorial Mena Saturday aftemoon, as the visitora capped their comeback bid with a mere 10 seconds remaining su tri- umph 3-2. The winning goal - on a wide-angle, bottoin-abeif deposit - gave Caiedon thse series in four gaines, after dropping the opening tilt 2-0. The. Winterhawks' lone league victory was quickly followed sep by three highly credible outings, two of which were dccid- ed by a single tally. The second of these nearly went in their favour, as Andrew Ouellette's powerplay marker -- a well-placed wrister through the five-hale - put the honts abead mid- way thmough the thîrd period Saturday. But Caiedon potted a crosa-ice redirect by steady tender Jocl H-erder just moments later, setting the stage for their late-gaine heroica. Herder's 17-save performance helped keep thinga close, as did some dynamite defense by i.D. Davies. Like Quellette, Jason Entmnas sank one through the oppoaing cager's pads in the even the couret at I -1. Milton had juat the single shot during ftrst-period play, but stepped things up offensively down the stretch. Entsmaa and Ethan O'Connor had some key chances, but were robbed with big pad saves. In Caiedon Tlhursday, Herder offered a solid performance but his teammates couldn't dent the swine and were van- quished 3-0. This marked the mot decisive gaine of the series - a clear testament to the Winterhawks' gutsy play. Milton won just two gaines ail year - both in shutout fashion. They blanked Caledon in gaine one and did the saine to the tournament hosts during the 35th annu- ai Hespier Toumainment over thse holidays. Photo by STEVE Le1BLANC lrleading north? Miltonian Mike Novak l8 ail smllea these daya since belng drafted by the Ir. A Orangeville Northmen ar- lier this month. The Hilton His BuIldog mldget was taken in the firat round, ninth avenui. "major atoms in tough for playoffs Milton's A major moins are behind tbe proverbial eight bail after getting blanked by Ancaster 3-0 Sunday aftemoon during gaine two of their first-round OMMA playoff series. The visiting atoms - who took top spot in regular-season play - broke a scoreless stalemate miîdway througb the third and then cemented the win with two more deposits to take a three-points- to-one series Iead. Parker Mott kept thinga tight witb some standout cage work while bis defensive unit - comprised of Jonathan Cragg, Jobn Grant, Brandon Rae-Hunt and Marshall Vince - offered a credi- hIe performance as well. Unfortunately, the Karmax Winterhawks weren't nearly as impressive offensively - managing just a handful of shots ail afiemoon. Tbey were much more posent in Ancaster Saturday. However, Milton couldn't quise hold on to a pair of leads and had so seule for a 3-3 stalemate in the series opener. Daniel Lewandowski scored the tirst and final goals - the sec- ond of wbich was an unassisted breakaway deposit that nearly held up as the game-winner. Cragg connected from the point for goal number two while Eric Gottwald, Riley Duke and captain Jacob Goode picked up assista. A goal calied back and two late powerplay goals againt comn- bined to rob the locais of gaine one victory. In net waa Nick Digiailonardo - who tumed hack 22 sbots, including one with a huge glove save, for the tie. Gaine three will be played in Ancaster Saturday while the teains retuin to Memorial Mrena for gaine four next Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 7:15 pi. iISPRINGFIELDh Reeoedng Fumiture Smnce 1973 Reeldenial & Commercial Speclallzlng Un antique work Decorative fabrios to choose from Hlgh denslty cushion foam & foam muittInaS 370 Main St E. 905-76-5694 Milton, ON Leave mesaug for LarrY 'Limlted tîme saly. Partecipating GM DealerasiPs may set individual prices. LOF includes Up ta 5L of GM premium motar sol. ofer valid an rasI GM anNacles. Offer avallable ta retami customers anly. See Service Adaîsar fer offer conditions and mare details sr ral 1-800-GMY-DRIVE. 'OuraStop is a registered trademare of ACOelcs. *An official mark of the Province of Onaio used wit5 permissian. 1