Tinker hockey team rewarded with win Published Aug. 13, 2008 By John Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The Tinker Hawks I hockey club wanted to get back to its winning ways after four consecutive losses in the Oklahoma City Adult Hockey League Division II. They were rewarded Sunday at the Blazers Ice Centre with a resounding 6-2 win over the Knights. "We need to get back in the win column. Our losing streak has been difficult because we have played well but not been able to capitalize on our chances," said Miguel Lopez, center and captain of the Hawks. The Hawks lit the lamp first as center Nic Kuc fed a cross-ice pass to right winger Frank Ruzzene who lifted a shot towards the goal and defenseman Luke Westerman pounced the rebound and fired a laser shot into the net giving the Hawks a 1-0 lead at 2:10 of period one. Five minutes later, the Knights tied the score at 1 on a Hawks defensive miscue which resulted in a clear breakaway. The remainder of the period belonged to the Hawks as they kept their opponent pinned in their own end while firing 13 shots at the opposing goaltender. "That was a good period boys. Let's make sure we make crisp passes and get back on defense," said McClean. The second period was a high-flying affair for the Hawks. Center Josh Riley received a pass at center ice from defenseman Adam Henley who sent a pass to Lopez who lifted a backhander above the sprawling Knights' goaltender, giving the Hawks a 2-1 lead that they would never relinquish. The reminder of the period was a back and forth affair with both goaltenders, especially the Hawks' net minder Ryan Koelle, making key saves to keep the score 2-1 after two periods of play. "The defense is playing great in front of me. They are clearing the rebounds and I can see all the shots coming at me," said Koelle. The Hawks then went on a scoring barrage in the third period. They outscored their opponents 4-1 in the final stanza. The Hawks goal scorers in the third were Kuc; who had two goals, Lopez, and Ruzzene. The three stars of the game for Hawks were Kuc who had two goals and a assist, Lopez who had two goals and a assist, and Koelle who stopped 27 of 29 shots he faced. The win by the Hawks improved their record to 2-5; while the loss dropped the Knights to 0-7. The Hawks return to the ice Sunday versus the Storm at the Blazers Ice Centre at 7:15 p.m.