Sharks honour Bill Hyatt, edge Mooretown

By Greg Coulter

WHEATLEY — In front of the largest crowd of the season, the Wheatley Omstead Sharks closed out 2021 with a masterful performance en route to 4-3 victory over Mooretown.

After battling through a scoreless first period, the Sharks carried a 4-2 lead into the third before a late goal by the opposition kept the fans glued to their seats until the final buzzer.

Goaltender Ethan Handley was spectacular throughout with 38 saves, many of those while the Sharks were shorthanded.

Braedon Caetano led the way with a hattrick and Dallas Anderson added a single as the Sharks never trailed in the contest.

The normally reserved coach, Josh Carnevale, was ecstatic with the gutsy win.

“Handley stood tall in the net and our offensive players that we rely on came through again,” said Carnevale. “The whole team committed to the style of play that we needed to be successful.”

The Sharks welcomed two special groups to the game: a ceremonial puck drop with the family of the late Bill Hyatt, and acknowledging the players, volunteers and sponsors of the spring Wheatley Minor Hockey group.

In honour of Bill Hyatt, JoAnn Hyatt, son Brad, daughter Cindy and their families drop the ceremonial puck to start the last home game of 2021. Sharks captain Braydon Davis and Flags captain Jake Vince take part.

SUN photos by Greg Coulter

The Sharks next six games have been postponed due to new provincial restrictions.

Braedon Caetano buries the game winner with his third of the game after Matt Carvalho drove to the net with the puck to create the goalmouth chaos.

SUN photos by Greg Coulter