Milton’s A novices weren’t quite able to secure championship honours at the Peter Mancuso Challenge, but certainly didn’t walk away empty-handed.

After falling 3-1 to Whitby Blue in the final of the Niagara Falls tournament, the Winterhawks were presented with the Team Work Award — from among 104 teams — as the team that best exemplified hard work, teamwork and fair play.

Nathan Giannaris was the lone marksman in the championship, while Zack Fernandes was rock solid between the pipes.

Cody McPhail highlighted the weekend with a game-winning goal with just 12 seconds left — his team-leading fifth of the tournament — to beat Innisfil 2-1 in the semifinal.

Alexander Tomic backstopped the Winterhawks to victory and Ethan Devries notched the first goal.

Milton kicked off the tournament with a 1-1 tie with Innisfil before knocking off Nobleking 6-0 and Welland 4-0.

McPhail tallied twice in the two wins.