The Hawks celebrate their first win on home ice this SJHL season Friday. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Comeback Kids

Radloff’s overtime winner earns Hawks first home ice win of the year

Dec 1, 2024 | 6:15 AM

Hometown captain Finley Radloff scored the overtime winning goal Friday in Nipawin’s 4-3 win over Yorkton in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) action.

For the second time this week Nipawin was forced to fight back in the third period, getting the tying goal from Van Taylor allowing Radloff to win the game just under two minutes into the fourth period. The win was Nipawin’s first on home ice this year and fourth overall. Radloff admitted the feeling after a victory is unmatched.

“Absolutely, we’re going to keep this train rolling and we’re going to have some fun,” the 19-year-old leader said after the game.

Eric Hoiness and Ashton Tait each scored their second goals of the year in regulation. Taylor’s goal came on a powerplay, Nipawin’s first on the man advantage since Nov. 9. Radloff admitted the mood is slowly changing for the group and the last two games have shown the resiliency for this young group.

“I think we’re getting some confidence in our team,” he added. “In our goaltending, our forwards, everything kind of. If we can keep that stuff going, we’re going to have some fun and string some wins together here.”

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The Hawks weren’t able to get the win Tuesday versus the North Stars eventually falling in a shootout, Carter Anderson had an overtime winner for the Hawks earlier this year in Estevan. Nipawin also lost 4-3 in overtime to La Ronge at the ‘Cage’ this year, but Radloff was able to lift the crowd from their feet Friday.

“Hutts (Assistant Coach Derek Hutton) told me low glove, so I thought I’d try it and it worked out in my favor,” Radloff said.

The relief from the group was evident following the win, which was also netminder Nathan Claydon’s first SJHL win with 26 stops. Radloff said celebrating with the team and feeling the roar of the crowd was special and the Hawks hope to keep building.

“Looking at our fans, they were pretty excited. As long as we can get some more wins at home it will make it more fun playing at the Cage,” he concluded.

The Hawks hit the highway to Humboldt Saturday to meet the Broncos, Niapwin edged them 1-0 earlier this month in their lone meeting so far this season.

The pregame show of Nipawin Chrysler Dodge Hawks Hockey on 750 Beach Radio will begin at 6:45 p.m., faceoff is 7 p.m.

by Clark Stork

Radloff’s overtime winner earns Hawks first home ice win of the year

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