S Sports Oakville minor bantam AA Rangers head coach Jim Franko knew his team was ready for its biggest game of the season. He just didn't realize how ready. The Rangers came out flying to start the final of the Richard Bell Memorial Minor Hockey Tournament last Friday at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, building a 4-0 lead before the game was nine minutes old and holding on for a 5-3 win over the Mississauga Terriers. "When our guys left the dressing room, I said to one of our coaches, `These guys are ready to go.' I knew we'd have our best start of the year," Franko said afterwards. "Still, you don't expect four goals (in the first period)." Michael Pare got Oakville started, banging in a rebound three minutes into the game. The Rangers then exploded for three goals in 49 seconds at the midway point of the period, as Tim Gibson, Pare and Liam Finkle found the mark. Oakville let its foot off the gas a bit in the second period, allowing the Terriers to narrow the contest to 4-2 before the second intermission. Gibson scored early in the third, however, to restore control for the Rangers. Although Oakville is the top- SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012 17 Minor bantam AAs deliver early in biggest game of f year scoring team in its Tri-County league, which it led with a 20-2-4 record going into the tournament, four goals in one period surprised Franko. Making the Rangers' hot start even more impressive was the fact that they were facing one of the top teams in the province. The Terriers were ranked sixth in Ontario, while Oakville was ranked second. "We treated this as the start of f the playoffs," Franko said. "We want to win an OMHA championship, and we knew that to win the OMHA A championship, we need to beat teams (like the Terriers)." Oakville captain Daniel Moll attributed the quick start to he and his teammates being pumped up to win their hometown tournament. "It's very special," said the 13-year-old, a Grade 8 student at Pine Grove. "When you play in tournaments (on the road), it's cool and all, but it's way more fun to play at home." Also contributing to the championship were Lucas Ricci, Ellis Zampini, Jonathan Donville, Alex Montague, Ben Hamburg, Steve Jang, Craig McCormick, Matt Di Lella, Liam Coderre, Michael Franko, Cale Cutcliffe, Kyle Wolwich and Josh Rees. -- Jon Kuiperij ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER FIVE HOLE: Oakville minor bantam AA Rangers forward Michael Pare (left) slips the puck past Mississauga Terriers netminder Vince Capano during last week's Richard Bell tournament final. Oakville scored four first-period goals -- including two by Pare -- en route to a 5-3 victory. Blades, Hornets back in action After lengthy breaks, the Oakville Blades and Oakville intermediate AA A Hornets both resume their seasons this week. The Blades (22-7-5) will try to shake off the rust quickly against the Burlington Cougars tonight (Friday), a 7:30 p.m. start at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. Oakville will then visit the Milton IceHawks Sunday afternoon (3:30 start) and travel to Hamilton Monday for a clash with the Red Wings. The Hornets (7-11-0) began the new year Tuesday with a 3-0 win over the Mississauga Chiefs. Oakville will be home to the Brampton Thunder tonight (8:30) at Joshua's Creek Arenas, then visit the Toronto Aeros tomorrow (Saturday). BigNamesSmallTheatre THIS WINTER LEAVE THE COLD WARM UP TO A THE OUTSIDE AND EXPERIENCE MODERN FIREPLACE WARMTH OF A MODERN FIREPLACE. Classic Albums Live: IN THROUGH THE OUT DOOR January 19 JOHANNES LINSTEAD January 21 · WOMEN FULLY CLOTHED February 3 All performances are at THE OAKVILLE CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS To order tickets call: 905-815-2021 or go to www.oakvillecentre.ca "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" www.cobblestonembers.ca ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE 905-337-2066