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Cage Conclusion

Hawks shutout in final home game of season

Mar 5, 2022 | 3:48 PM

The Nipawin Hawks were shutout in their final home game of the 2021-22 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Friday against the Melfort Mustangs 3-0.

The blanking was Nipawin’s second straight at home and eighth time this season. Hawks Assistant Coach Dana Dirks said despite the loss he’s happy with how a young Hawks lineup stood up against the veteran-laden Mustangs.

“You could really tell the difference in the size and the strength out there tonight,” Dirks said. “I thought the effort was fine and ultimately we’re coming into the third period down 2-0. We weren’t that disappointed with the effort and result. Yeah, it looks bad at 3-0 but when you are playing as many 16-and 17-year-olds as we are it’s tough for them to be physically ready to go and quick enough to play a veteran group like that.”

In the Hawks lineup was 2005-born forwards Finley Radloff, Eric Hoiness, and defenseman Owen Myhre, who made his debut for his hometown team; 17-year-old Cole Barry also saw action on the blueline. Dirks said the experience the young group is getting will pay off in spades going forward.

“These games are going to be huge for these guys,” he said. “They are getting a chance to see what it takes to play at this level and see how hard they must work this summer to come in a take a spot next year, or in two years for others. It’s not easy, that step from AAA to junior A, those steps are big. For some of these guys that come in and get four or five under their belt, like Finley, he’s starting to find his way and he made some really nice plays out there tonight.”

Nolan Doell led the way for Melfort scoring twice including his 30th goal of the SJHL season. Carter Anderson also beat Hawks’ netminder Chase Hamm. Joel Favreau earned the shutout for Melfort.

Myhre has been skating with the Hawks since the Tisdale Trojans season ended. He suited up for his debut on home ice in his hometown joining Radloff. Myhre said he was excited but admitted there were some nerves.

“It was pretty exciting, watching the Hawks when I was growing up and always wanting to play here, there was some joy playing my first game,” he said. “There were some nerves when I was told I was playing. I felt good off the start and just played my game.”

He will suit up again Saturday in the rematch with the Mustangs to cap their season series at the Northern Lights Palace. Faceoff is 7:30 p.m. The Mustangs are offering free attendance for the game.

You can also hear the game on Saskatchewan’s Beach Radio beginning with the pregame show at 7:15 p.m.

clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork