Hawks grab historic win

WASILLA -- On Saturday the Houston Hawks accomplished a task most large school prep hockey programs outside of the Anchorage bowl can't -- defeat Service High School.

So what makes Houston's 8-4 win over Service even more impressive?

Houston is a small school program.

The Hawks jumped to a 7-1 lead over the three-time defending 4A state champions and outshot the Cougars 37-25.

"It's gigantic," Houston head coach Jamie Smith said of the win over the perennial 4A power. "It's the best we've played. The best this team has played in the last six to eight months."

It was the first win over Service in the history of the Houston hockey program. Smith he doesn't remember any Valley team defeating Service since he has been with Houston High.

Houston senior forward Wade Williams continued to prove he may be the best player in the state -- large school teams included. Williams notched a hat trick, added an assist and kept continuous pressure on the Service net.

"Wade played phenomenal," Smith said, noting Williams had more than a handful of quality scoring chances.

Williams gave Houston an early 3-1 lead, late in the first period, as he took a Rick Morlock pass and put the puck past Service netminder Aaron Sires. Williams scored on the power play early in the second period and score his third goal with 79 seconds left in the middle frame.

Sophomore Kaleb Westphall proved to be an instant boost for the Hawks. In his first game after returning to the lineup, Westpall helped lead the Hawk defensive attack at the blueline and scored a pair of goals on the offensive end. Westphall scored a powerplay goal in the first period and an even strength goal in the third.

Morlock and Hundley also scored for Houston. Morlock posted a two-goal, three-assist night.

Houston has 12 4A opponents on the 2004-05 schedule. In addition to Service, the Hawks have already beaten large-school opponents Wasilla, Bartlett, Palmer and Skyview. The Hawks only loss this season came to West Valley, another 4A foe.

On Friday Houston earned a 15-0 victory over Palmer.

The Hawks return to action on Nov. 19 against Valley-rival, Colony. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:30 p.m. at the Curtis C. Menard II Memorial Ice Arena.