The Walkerton Hawks put up two big wins on the weekend to regain sole possession of first place in  Western?Junior C standings.
On Friday night the Hawks came out flying against The Hanover Barons taking a 3-0 lead before the first period was half over.
“The guys definitely rose to the challenge,” said general manager Steve Barrett, who was behind the bench for his first game after dismissing head coach Paul Roberts.
“Anytime you can jump out to a three-goal lead is very demoralizing to the other team,” Barrett said, adding they managed to chase Barons’ number one goalie early.
Scoring twice in the first, including the goal that would be the eventual gamewinner, was Trevor?Smith. Both of Smith’s goals came during the power play.
Assists went to Adam Alexander, Rob?Brennan and Mike Bujold. Bujold also netted an unassisted marker during the period.
Hanover’s offence put one on the board midway through the second, but the Hawks’ Greg?Wardell answered back three minutes later with one of his own. Assists came from Bujold and Smith.
In the third, the Hawks made a strong showing much like they had in the opening frame, scoring three unanswered goals with two coming on the man-advantage.
Justin Wakewich, Dean?Nixon, and Bujold found the back of the Hanover net in the third. Smith assisted on Bujold’s goal, helping both players earn their fourth point of the night on the same play. Assists also went to Wardell, Wakewich, and Steve Collins (2).
Reid?Hay of the Barons netted one with a minute-and-a-half to go, but that concluded the scoring.
Clayton Fritsch picked up the win making 17 saves. ike Nigalis took the loss for the Barons, making six saves before being replaced by Dave Clement who made 24 saves.
Walkerton would finish the weekend in first place after a 3-1 road victory over the Goderich Sailors on Saturday.
Barrett said the game was a frustrating one. “We dominated the play but couldn’t put Goderich away.”
Scoring for the Hawks were Matt Rostek, Bujold,  and Wakewich.
Scoring the lone goal for Goderich was Scott Miller.
Daniel Trombley picked up the win making 25 saves while Goderich’s Sheldon Reid took the loss making 36 saves.
Walkerton is back in action at home on Friday, Nov. 27 against the Mitchell Hawks.
Walkerton will hope to keep their four-game winning streak alive, and to get some payback for the 8-3 loss Mitchell handed them  in their last meeting.