The Hawks and Mustangs faced off for the final time this season in Melfort Friday. (Image Credit: Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff))

By Clark Stork

Taking down the champs

Cole’s first career SJHL game winner the sealer in Hawks victory over Melfort

Mar 7, 2026 | 4:35 PM

The Hawks continue to demonize the Mustangs after Nipawin won 3-1 Friday in Melfort in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) action.

The win was Nipawin’s sixth over Melfort this season in seven games with one more to be played on March 13.

Melfort opened the scoring in the first period courtesy of Lanigan, Sask. product Ethan Hamilton who has three career SJHL goals now. Nipawin tied the game late in the first period on Eric Hoiness’ 19th goal of the year.

The tie remained intact until near the midway point of the third period when Carter Cole scored his first goal in a Nipawin jersey, while collecting his first game winning goal in the SJHL and third overall. The 18-year-old Edam, Sask. native said the team was excited after their 33rd win of the year.

“It’s electric inside that room right now,” he said after the Hawks snapped the Mustangs 12 game winning streak. “Coming into a barn like this isn’t easy and to beat a rival like that it’s always a good feeling.”

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Cole was acquired from the Kindersley Klippers earlier this season. In Kindersley he had a pair of goals. Cole saved his first for Nipawin in a big moment, one he won’t soon forget.

“It’s unreal, I haven’t scored in awhile, so anyway I can contribute is a good thing,” he added.

Braeden Jockims added an insurance goal into an empty net with 30 seconds remaining to cap the scoring. Jockims has goals in nine straight games for the Hawks, the longest streak this year in the SJHL. Mason Karakochuk added two assists, the 19-year-old third year Hawk has a 13 game point streak with 26 points during the run.

Nipawin will host Warman on Sunday afternoon at the Centennial Arena. Faceoff is 3 p.m.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com