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905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 A+ Rating comwww. *See dealer for details 9 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER #1 in Home Comfort Since 1990 We service Lennox *Call for details, offers cannot be combined, On new orders only ** OAC Prime rate subject to change. ELIGIBLE FOR$3830* IN GOVERNMENT & FACTORY REBATES* UP TO System for Your Home GAS FURNACE, CENTRAL AIR, AIR PURIFIER & HUMIDIFIER Or Central Air Conditioner from $39/month** THE BIGGEST SALE EVER SAME DAY INSTALLATIONS AVAILABLE Furnace Diagnostic Service ONLY $49 $89/month** w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER W e dn es da y, Se pt em be r 2 9, 2 01 0 2 4 Mark Jooris is quickly noticing goals and wins arent as easy to come by anymore. Not that thats a bad thing in the mind of the Oakville Blades first-year coach. Last season, Jooris led the Burlington Cougars to a 39-8-3 record and 313 goals during the Central Canada Hockey League regular season. In the playoffs, however, the Cougars were swept in the semifinals by the Newmarket Hurricanes. Last year in Burlington, sometimes we had it kind of easy, said Jooris. We never really faced any adversity. Wed go on nine- game winning streaks, and it wasnt good. We didnt get challenged enough. Jooris Blades are getting challenged so far this year, however. The Blades are 4-2 through their first six games, following a split of their past two contests. The defending Ontario Junior Hockey League champions easily downed the Mississauga Chargers 5-1 Friday at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, then suffered a tough 3-2 loss Monday in Markham as the Waxers notched the winner with 32 seconds left in regulation. Other than the win over Mississauga, all of Oakvilles games have been decided by two goals or less. The Blades two losses have both come by one-goal margins. Oakville also isnt exactly putting up gaudy offensive numbers, being held to three goals or less in four of six games. The Blades 23 goals on the season includes two empty-netters. Jooris isnt too concerned yet, though, noting that implementing systems and identifying roles is as much of an early-sea- son focus as wins and losses are. Were really forcing these guys to play defence. Now theyre focusing so hard on defence, it takes a bit away from their offence, Jooris said. But it will all come together. That emphasis on defensive play has paid off. Oakville has allowed only 15 goals so far, the lowest total in the league of any team that has played six or more games. Michael Sardella and Andrew Satino had the Blades goals Monday in Markham. Mark Corbett, Kyle Lysaght, Brandon Denham, Braedan Russell and Sardella notched the Oakville markers against Mississauga. The Blades return to action this weekend with a pair of home games. Oakville enter- tains the Stouffville Spirit Friday, then wel- comes the Aurora Tigers Saturday. Both contests are slated for 7:30 p.m. starts. Jon Kuiperij Blades coach embracing arly-season challenges Intermediate Hornets hope to build off exhibition win against China INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY: Oakville intermediate AA Hornets player Evelyn McLean (in white) and Team Chinas Lou Yue chase down a loose puck Sunday at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. Oakville won the exhibition game, 4-3 in a shootout. ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER The game that had the least meaning in the standings ended up having the most meaning to the Oakville intermediate AA Hornets. After losing their first two games of the Provincial Womens Hockey League season, the Hornets got a much-needed pick-me-up Sunday at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex as they defeated Team China in an exhibition contest. Its a big stepping stone, said Hornets coach Bradi Cochrane. Its tough to start 0- 2. To come out with a strong game after los- ing two games, it was a good confidence boost. It also showed us we can put the puck in the net. Scoring was Oakvilles main issue in its first two league games. The Hornets fell 4-1 to the Burlington Barracudas Friday, with Leanne Gallant scoring the lone Oakville goal, and 3-0 to the Markham Stars Saturday. Sunday, Oakville played Team China to a 3-3 draw through regulation time. Lindsay Grigg then netted the shootout winner. No coach is ever pleased with two losses, Cochrane said, but its all about the journey and us trying to get better. Were learning from our mistakes and growing as a team. The Hornets resume the PWHL campaign Friday with a road game in Burlington, an 8 p.m. start at Mainway Arena. Oakville then hosts the Mississauga Chiefs Saturday, a 4:30 p.m. faceoff at Joshuas Creek Arenas. Jon Kuiperij REDUCE REUSE recycle