Sports

Alliston Hornets hockey team finish 2024 in first place

January 4, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Alliston Hornets wrapped up 2023 as the first-place team in the North Carruthers Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League after the final game of the year against the Caledon Golden Hawks produced a win and two more points that left them two points ahead of the Stayner Siskins.

The Friday (Dec. 22) night game at the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex turned into a blowout when the Caledon team couldn’t score, and the Hornets unleashed a flurry in the third period.

At the end of the first period, the Hornets were leading 1-0 on a goal from Riley Thayer. That first period set the tone of the game, as almost all the action was in the Caledon zone, and the Hornets dominated the ice for the entire period.

The only second-period goal came from Alliston’s Cole Turcotte at 14:31 into the period.

Returning for the final period, the Hornets outplayed the Hawks for the entire frame and picked up four goals to end the game with a 6-0 shutout.

Alliston’s goals came from Will Millington, Duncan Grube, Josh Presley, and Clayson Goymour.

Between the pipes, Hornets goalie Rod Lewis got his fourth shutout of the season.

“We dominated tonight,” Rod said after the game. “Our defence was going, our offence was going – our new guy (Riley Thayer) got his first goal on his first shot. In the first period I didn’t get much action – it was only four or five shots. I think they’re (Caledon) a physical team, they’re a middle of the pack team, they are a rough team. Our defence was not letting anyone get out in front or get to the point. They kept the shots to the outside.”

The Hornets are now in first place with 44 points.

They are followed by the Stayner Siskins with 42 points and the Orillia Terriers with 38 points.

The Schomberg Cougars are in fourth place with 35 points.

Returning in the new year, the Hornets will be back on home ice on Friday, Jan. 5, when they will host the Penetang King at the NTRC.

Game time is 7:30 p.m.

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