(Photo: Maryland Sports Insider)
Championship Weekend is only 4 days away, and the Chesapeake Bayhawks have one mission, return the Steinfeld Cup back to Chesapeake. The Bayhawks won title number four last year defeating the Denver Outlaws 16-6. This year may be a tougher hill to climb.
The Bayhawks road to Championship Weekend seemed in jeopardy as they went 4-4 after the first 8 games of the season, but then they go on to win five of the final six games to lock up a number two seed. Last season they faced the Cannons in round one. This year it’s the Hamilton Nationals.
Bayhawks split the two games against the Nationals, with both teams winning in their opponents’ back yards.
June 1st the Nationals came out on top by a score of 12-11 in overtime (Bayhawks 1-3 in OT this season). Stephen Keogh led the way with 5 goals, Kevin Crowley and Jordan Hall 2 goals each, Hall had the game winner. For the Bayhawks, Ben Rubeor and Drew Westervelt tallied twice, while Matt Mackrides recorded a hat trick plus an assist in the loss. The game was such a battle both teams decided to play a little extra. The largest lead either team had was two goals.
June 29th (Rematch) The first fifteen minutes seemed as if it was a continuation of the game on June 1 with the Bayhawks holding a slim 3-2 lead. Then the roof caved in. The Bayhawks proceeded to go on a 13-4 run in the second and third quarters (7-1 in second) to put the game out of reach at 16-6 going into the fourth. Hamilton outscored the ‘Hawks 4-1 in the final quarter to bring the final to 17-10 in favor of the Bayhawks.
Drew Westervelt, Matt Mackides, Ben Hunt and Steven Brooks tallied hat tricks in the game.
The rubber game is slated for a 4pm start Saturday, for the Bayhawks to return to the Championship game two things must happen. The defense must go on lockdown mode and not allow second and third opportunities, because this Hamilton team with players the caliber of Crowley, Hall, Merrill, will capitalize on them. So look for defensive coach Tony Resch to have his guys focused.
The Bayhawks offense needs to step up big. They can not afford to go 7+ minutes without scoring if they want to win.
The Nationals defense is tenacious; Brodie Merrill is a human vacuum and a six time defensive player of the year winner, and goaltender Brett Queener will take the ball and run it up field. Ben Rubeor, Drew Westervelt, Matt Mackrides will need to be almost near perfection on there shots work to the inside, and that could open the door for a couple 2pt attempts.
Can the Bayhawks take the first step to title number 5?
1pm Denver Outlaws vs Charlotte Hounds
4pm Chesapeake Bayhawks vs Hamilton Nationals
