Jack Drake scored his first career SJHL goal on Saturday for the Nipawin Hawks. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Killer Penalties

Mustangs take season series opener over Hawks

Oct 20, 2024 | 2:46 PM

The Mustangs drew first blood in the season series with the Hawks with a 6-2 win in Nipawin Saturday.

In the first of eight games between the two Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) rivals Melfort jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and never allowed the Hawks in the game. Nipawin drew within one on Jack Drake’s first career SJHL goal, but veteran defenseman Nolan Roberts restored the Mustangs’ three goal cushion they never relinquished. Hawks Head Coach Tad Kozun was pleased with his team’s effort in both games (Friday in La Ronge), but when penalties got involved, the Hawks struggled.

“The biggest difference this weekend was special teams,” he said after Saturday’s game. “Our penalty killing obviously wasn’t good enough. They scored five powerplay goals in 11 opportunities over two games it’s not good enough. Our powerplay was one for eight, that’s the difference in the hockey games.”

After going down three in the first to the Mustangs, who also had a 3-0 lead after the first period in Friday’s 5-1 victory over Kindersley, Nipawin made it 3-1 and pushed back earning a couple second period man advantages that the Hawks couldn’t capitalize on.

“We came back, and we battled, but we’ve got to shore up the special teams because right now they are losing us hockey games,” Kozun added.

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Konnor Watson scored Nipawin’s other goal, the rookie forwards second of the season.

Overall Nipawin struck out on two powerplays, the Mustangs scored twice on five chances.

Gage Roberts started in goal for Nipawin, he allowed four goals on 15 shots, Tyson Endall came on in relief making 13 saves on 14 shots.

The Hawks are now off until Friday when they host Notre Dame. The team will honour Greg Classen prior to the game.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com