The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, February 23, 2012 · 18 Blades win series opener in OT Todd Bannerman's overtime goal lifted the Oakville Blades to a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Jr. Sabres in the opening game of the teams' Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) West Division semifinal series Tuesday at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. Bannerman's marker came 11:54 into the extra session as the Blades, who had a first-round playoff bye, completed their comeback from a 2-0 second-period deficit. Oakville actually took a 3-2 lead in the third period but Buffalo forced overtime by scoring with 25 seconds left in regulation. Sean Federow, Liam Board and Chris Taylor had the Blades' other goals Tuesday, and James Prigione made 32 saves to record the win in net. The best-of-seven series resumes tonight (Thursday) with Game 2 in Buffalo, then shifts back to Oakville Saturday for Game 3 (a 7:30 p.m. start at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex). Oakville's other home dates in the series (if necessary) are Feb. 29 for Game 5 and March 3 for Game 7. Both games would begin at 7:30 p.m. at Sixteen Mile. The Blades are seeking a record fifth straight appearance in the OJHL final. school students (pictured, left to right) Samantha Wilson, Kristina Sitas and Haley Thompson help coach the Oakville Hornets Orange Flames novice house league team. MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER HELPING OUT: Local high Oakville MINOR FOOTBALL Youngsters, teens share a bond Continued from page 16 rsity Titans 2010 Junior Va and the teenagers." Williams, who happens to be Wilson's aunt, gets a good look at the Orange Flames coaching staff every game because she's on the bench as a trainer. "It's just the way they relate (to the young players), in a whole different way. They're on the same level, almost, the way they communicate," said Williams. "I heard one girl (on the bench) say `I need a hug'. I thought, `They never ask me!' The bond is definitely different, just a whole different atmosphere." Orange Flames players Samantha Chafe (Jackie's daughter) and Sarah Difilippo said it feels like their coaches are their friends. "At practice, they help us,' said Chafe, a Grade 3 student at Brookdale Public School. "Sometimes, when we have water breaks, we grab onto their sticks and they pull us. And if you don't want to get water, they'll pass with us and play." The players aren't the only ones enjoying themselves. "Every week, the girls do something that is so entertaining. They're so cute, and there's always some funny story about the girls," Schwichtenberg said before breaking into a broad smile. "They're so happy to be there. It makes me happy to be there watching them." Our next registration date is Feb. 26th from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, and will be held at Boston Pizza on Dorval Drive and North Service Road in Oakville. Minor Ball Hockey In Oakville Ages 3-20 yrs old · 7th Season All games played in local arenas. Full player and team statistics online. Members of the Ontario Ball Hockey Association. THE REGISTRATION FOR 2012 AGE GROUPS Register on-line at www.oakvillegridiron.com and pay through PayPal Follow us on Twitter @oakvilletitans and on Facebook Junior Varsity U17 ........................ 1996 & 1997 ATOM U11 2000-2001 Bantam U15 ................................ 1998 & 1999 PEE WEE U13 1999-1998 PeeWee U13 ............................... 2000 & 2001 Flag Football ..................................... Ages 5-12 BANTAM U15 1997-1996 Register online or in person at National Sports on February 25 or March 24 from Noon until 2pm. Kids Minor Programs · Learn to Play Program for ages 3 to 6 years old for only $99 · Programs for ages 7 to18 years old for only $155 · Weekend games only and no practices · Season runs from April to the end of June · Try out for our Aces Select Provincial Team · 10 games minimum including our Championship Tournament · 19 & 20 year old Juvenile Division Sunday nights for only $155 For More Information Call 905-484-8478 Or Visit www.ballhockey4u.com