Nipawin's Tyson Endall faces Melville's Bradley Banach on a breakaway during SJHL action in Nipawin on Feb. 14. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Hawks Hockey

Hawks shutout by Millionaires; Kindersley comes to town Friday

Feb 16, 2024 | 2:02 PM

The Hawks were blanked for the third time in their last five home games Wednesday following a 3-0 loss to the Melville Millionaires.

Nipawin’s second half slide continued with their eighth loss in nine games. After originally beating the Millionaires twice to start the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Melville has taken the last trio of games between the two clubs, both chasing a position in the SJHL playoffs.

Melville jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period, and Hawks Head Coach Tad Kozun said with the lack of production over the last ten games that lead felt insurmountable.

“It’s no secret that we’re struggling to score goals right now, I mean when you only get 24 to 25 shots a game it’s tough to get it by the goalie. We have to find a way to generate more opportunities on the offensive side of the puck,” he said after the game.

The Hawks are currently tied for ninth place in the SJHL standings with the Yorkton Terriers, the Klippers are in tie for sixth with Estevan. The loss to Melville was crucial, the Millionaires are a point up in fifth place. Despite being on the outside looking in, Kozun still believes his group can get to the playoffs, but the team needs to turn things around, quickly.

Municipal election forum

Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce hosting municipal candidate forum

26m ago

Theft in Melfort

RCMP investigating theft of skid steer from business in Melfort

2h ago

Virtual physician program

Hudson Bay implements virtual physician program

4h ago

“We have to move on from this as much as it stings, and you have to be ready for Friday night. It’s an opportunity for us to play another game and pick up two points,” he said.

Friday’s matchup is the final meeting of the regular season between the Hawks and Klippers, Nipawin has taken three of the five games. Kozun added the game is the biggest of the year to date, and his club needs to be ready for puck drop.

“We’ve got to find a way,” he stressed. “You have to dig deep; it comes down to how bad you really want it. If you want it a lot more than the other team you are going to be successful. If you are just going to go through the motions and that sort of thing, it’s going to be a long night.”

Faceoff is slated for 7 p.m. at the Centennial Arena.

–

clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @ClarkStork