Riverhawks bring senior hockey back to Brant County with lively home opener

Gus Ford made Riverhawks history, scoring the team’s first-ever goal during their inaugural home game against the Alvinston Killer Bees on October 10.

George Le Gresley

Sports Correspondent 

The Brant County Riverhawks are the newest entry to the Northern Premier Hockey League’s Metropolitan Division. They opened their season on October 10 against last season’s champions, the Alvinston Killer Bees.

On Saturday nights, the Burford Arena transforms into the “Hawks Nest,” drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to cheer on the home team. The lineup outside the front doors was a surprising sight (hopefully they can speed that up when the cold weather comes!).  Equally impressive was the strong volunteer presence, with dedicated supporters selling 50/50 tickets and merchandise, staffing the beer lounge and helping create a lively atmosphere. Of course, the Hawk, the team’s mascot, added to the excitement, leading cheers and happily posing for photos with fans.

Speaking of fans, the crowd was packed into the stands to cheer on their Riverhawks player, included one dedicated fan from Simcoe who stood in the corner cheering on #10 with her homemade sign. It was great to see the enthusiasm. 

Mayor David Bailey dropped the puck to open the inaugural home game.

Alvinston, a town not far from Strathroy, started off like a championship team does, coming out of the gate fast and furious, scoring five straight goals, until Gus Ford, a six-year veteran of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, scored the historic first goal for the River Hawks at 4:29 of the first period. At the end of the first, Alvinston led Brant County, 5-1.

One minute into the second period, the Riverhawks’ Frederick Teeple scored, and teammate Owen Allan followed to cut the Killer Bees’ lead to 5-3. The Bees scored to extend their lead, and the score at the end of two periods was 7-3.

Alvinston stretched the lead in the third period to 8-3 before Ford scored his second goal of the night for the Riverhawks, cutting the lead to 8-4. Hunter Dubecki followed, scoring an unassisted goal to bring the score to 8-5.  The game ended 10-6, with Owen Allan scoring the sixth goal for the home side.

Overall, despite a slow start in the first period that reflected their limited game and practice time, the Riverhawks put on an entertaining show. With a packed house cheering them on, fans were treated to a great night of hockey and excellent value for their money. Owner Mike Rita-Procter, a former junior player and local barber, achieved his goal of bringing senior hockey back to Brant County. 

The Riverhawks’ next game is this Saturday at the Burford Community Rink with a 7:30 pm puck drop.