Hawks aim for title

WASILLA -- In the past two seasons, the Houston Hawks have had just one hiccup against 3A competition. Houston had only one loss against its small school foes, but that loss came in the 2003 3A state title game.

This weekend the Hawks will look to fly through the bracket, go for the clean sweep and avoid the hiccup that cost them the title last season.

Houston, which finished a perfect 12-0 in Greatland Conference play during the regular season, earned the top seed in the bracket and a bye in the first round.

The Hawks will take on either Monroe Catholic or Tri-Valley in the tournament semifinals tonight at 7 p.m.

Results of Thursday's first round match between the Rams and Viking Warriors was unavailable before press time.

A win in the semifinals will give Houston a berth in the state championship game. The puck is set to drop in the title game at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Teams will compete for fourth place Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and third place Saturday at 4 p.m.

All games are held at the Brett Memorial Ice Arena.

In 12 games this season against 3A competition Houston has outscored opponents 104-25, good for more than a 4-to-1 goals to goals against ratio.

Junior forward Wade Williams leads in the Hawks in overall scoring with 36 goals, 28 assists and 64 points.

Rick Morlock (19-30--49), Devin Styers (15-27--41) and Larry Kincaid (21-20--41) are also among team leaders.