The Blackhawks had a slushy start to their 2014 home schedule on Saturday night. The Mike Rodden Arena ice conditions were not up to par causing a one hour delay to the start of the game for the franchise's first official home game since the team relocated to Mattawa from North Bay this off-season.
"I see the net, I see the puck, I shot it and I scored," that's what was going through assistant captain Cj Nicholson's head when he scored Mattawa's first home goal 1:15 into the game.
Play in the first period was pretty even with both teams getting opportunities. It looked like Mattawa had all the momentum until halfway through the period when Dustin Corderio managed to squeak one through the five-hole of Blackhawks goalie Joe Sheppard.
Cochrane scored early and often in a penalty filled second period. A minute and forty seconds in Cody Gratton scored the first of the five goals they would score in the period. Five minutes later Gratton added his 2nd of the night. Halfway through the period the lead increased to 5-1 with two Cochrane goals 15 seconds apart.
Tyler Broderson gave the home crowd something to cheer about with his first Jr. A fight. It seemed like that would be the only things fans could cheer about until Christian Sgroi scored to make it 5-2. Cochrane quickly regained their 4 goal lead on a one timer 20 seconds after the goal by Sgroi. The teams headed to the rooms with the score 6-2 for the visitors.
The Mattawa Blackhawks dominated the play in every way in the 3rd period.
They scored twice but the comeback came up short. Kyle Baril scored both the goals taking team lead in points in the process.
Despite the 0-8 start to the season Assistant Coach Addison Robidas said "we aren't happy with the start to the year but spirit's in the room are still high."
The Blackhawks are back at home next Saturday night vs the same Cochrane Crunch. Pick drop is 5pm.
The attendance was 380 in the warm Mike Rodden Arena.
