The Hawks and Millionaires faced off Saturday at the 'Cage' in Nipawin on Saturday. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

A shot away

Third period goal grounds Hawks

Feb 2, 2025 | 7:45 AM

The Nipawin Hawks were outdone 3-2 by the Melville Millionaires Saturday at the Centennial Arena as the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) schedule ramped up again.

After a week break due to the SJHL and Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Showcase, the two clubs met for the second time this year and first since Oct. 29, a 3-0 Melville win.

The Millionaires jumped on the board early, but Nipawin defenseman Brady Seabrook scored his third goal of the season to tie the game in the second period. Melville restored the lead before the first period expired.

The Hawks clawed back in the second period; Eric Hoiness deflected a Raydr Wallington shot to tie the game 2-2.

The deadlock remained until Melville sniper Jadon Iyogun busted through Nipawin’s defense and beat Gage Roberts between the legs for the game wining goal halfway through the third frame. Assistant Coach Derek Hutton said there was too many chances for Melville.

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“I thought we just gave up too many grade ‘A’ opportunities through the middle of the ice,” Assistant Coach Derek Hutton said after the game. “We gave them too much and space in the neutral zone, we must do a better job of slowing them up and not letting them get on top our goaltender like they did tonight.”

Roberts made 31 stops taking the loss in goal.

The Hawks are in Melville Sunday evening for a rematch to cap the weekend home-and-home. Hutton said the club will need to make some adjustments but will be ready for the road test.

“We have to slow teams up in the neutral zone a little bit better. I feel like we can have more puck control and then just funnel more pucks and bodies to the net. The simpler our game is when we our at our best,” Hutton said.

Faceoff is 6 p.m. at the CN Community Centre while the pregame show of Nipawin Chrysler Dodge Hawks Hockey begins at 5:45 on 750 Beach Radio.

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