(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Division Wins Always Feel Sweeter

Mustangs enact revenge with rout over Hawks

Feb 8, 2025 | 2:22 PM

The Melfort Mustangs got just what they wanted on Friday night, an absolute blowout over the Nipawin Hawks.

After losing for the first time to Nipawin this season in the two teams’ last meeting, Melfort got their revenge with a 6-0 rout at home.

“We were really all over them this game. I think the boys were really working in the D zone, a couple of guys came hard on the back check and made some diving blocks and stuff like that, and just helped me out every way they could,” said Mustangs’ netminder Madden Mulawka.

“Then, in the O zone, we were just kind of all over them as well and were able to pressure them and play pretty physical and move the puck around well and capitalize on our chances.”

Mulawka recorded his first career SJHL shutout with 14 saves on the night, as the Stangs badly outshot the Hawks 37-14.

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Also getting their first was forward Bryson Aikens, as he notched his first goal and assist, despite being a very late addition to the lineup.

“It meant a lot, especially seeing the boys battle pretty hard in front of me. I think it definitely means a lot to me, knowing they have my back, and then obviously the shutout feels pretty good too,” Mulawka added.

“I thought he (Aikens) had a really solid game, especially coming in with short notice. I didn’t even know he was coming in, I just looked back and saw him getting into his workout gear at about six o’clock, so he had a quick turnaround, for sure, but I think he made it work. Obviously, getting his first goal is huge for him, it’s a big accomplishment, and the boys were really happy to see that. I bet he’s feeling pretty good about it too.”

The Blue and Green will now travel to face the Hawks on Saturday, looking to wrap up the weekend sweep.

While they earned the season-series victory on Friday night, Melfort could also earn a week sweep with a win on Saturday, which would be extra impressive considering their four games in five-day stretch.

“I think if we play similar to how we did, we’re gonna have a pretty good outcome. I think if we keep our feet moving and make the simple plays and keep playing physical, we’re gonna do just fine and hopefully, get another win,” Mulawka concluded.

Puck drop between the Mustangs and Nipawin is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Cage.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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