The Hawks and Hounds will faceoff Friday on Greg Classen jersey retirement night at the 'Cage.' (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Celebrating Classen

Hawks host Hounds on Classen jersey retirement night

Oct 25, 2024 | 2:00 PM

The Nipawin Hawks will honour one of their all-time greats ahead of Friday’s game with the Hounds at the ‘Cage.’

As part of the organization’s 40^th anniversary, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) team will retire Greg Classen’s #9 jersey ahead of puck drop as Notre Dame makes their first visit to Nipawin this season. Classen hails from Aylsham, SK. He played three years for the Hawks before a college career, time in the National Hockey League (NHL) and many years in the pro ranks in Europe. Hawks head coach Tad Kozun is from Nipawin and said the night will be special.

“He was a guy I always reached out to when I was playing,” Kozun said. “If I had questions and asking about Europe and stuff like that, he’s always kind of been a mentor to me and to see him recognized for everything that he did and the career he had, it’s going to be a very exciting night and we’re very proud to be a part of it for sure.”

The Hawks will welcome new defenseman Justus Cutler to the lineup as well. The 18-year-old was acquired this week from Rayton Valley of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Cutler was the captain of his U18 AAA team that was coached by new Hawks Assistant Coach Derek Hutton last year. Kozun said Cutler has been in their sights for a while and they are ecstatic to have the Edmonton, Alta. product on the roster.

“We’re really excited about adding him to our backend and helping us out back there. He’s a rugged defenseman that skates well so we’re looking forward to having him out there tonight and see what he’s all about,” Kozun added.

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On the ice the Hawks need a win as the club hasn’t had a victory since Oct. 4 in Estevan over the Bruins. Nipawin was awarded a win due to Yorkton using an ineligible player, but the two tallies have the Hawks in 11^th place just ahead of Notre Dame. The Hounds took game one of the season series 5-0 on Oct. 3 in Wilcox. Kozun said a victory would cap what hopes to be a great night in the Centennial Arena.

“We’re obviously looking forward to the game. The ceremony is going to be really good then we have to be ready for puck drop, this is a big one tonight,” he concluded.

Faceoff is set for 7 p.m.

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