The Hawks and Mustangs will clash at the Northern Lights Palace for the final time this SJHL regular season on Friday. (Image Credit: Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Rivalry renewed

Nipawin Hawks make final trip to Melfort to face Mustangs

Mar 6, 2026 | 1:18 PM

The Nipawin Hawks will look to snap a four-game road losing streak Friday in Melfort as the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s (SJHL) fiercest rivalry is renewed at the Northern Lights Palace.

Nipawin hasn’t played since a 7-2 loss in Yorkton on Feb. 27. The Mustangs are the SJHL’s best team right now, winning 12 in a row while clinching a playoff berth after being in 10th place in the middle of January. Hawks head coach Tad Kozun said his group needs to be ready for the back-to-back reigning champions.

“We need to focus on the start, be ready, get the jump on them and dictate the pace. We’ve had success this year against Melfort, but they have been playing unreal hockey of late and we will be tested,” he said.

The Hawks and Mustangs have met six times this season; Nipawin has won five of the games. The last meeting was Jan. 30 in Nipawin. The Hawks are currently tied with Weyburn for fourth place while the Mustangs are likely destined for a sixth seeding. Kozun said attaining their goal on home ice in round one continues tonight.

“This is a huge game for us, for us to get our swagger back and the two points. Weyburn is breathing down our necks, so we need these two points too,” he said.

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Faceoff is slated for 7 :30 p.m., with the pregame show on 750 Beach Radio will beginning at 7:15 p.m.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com