The Hawks celebrate their first playoff win since March of 2023. (Image Credit: Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff))

By Clark Stork

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Mar 22, 2026 | 2:13 PM

Saturday’s game two between Nipawin and Weyburn was not must win for the Hawks but dropping both games at home to open their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) first round series to the Red Wings would be a hard hurdle to clear.

After falling 4-2 in game one Friday, Nipawin rebounded with a resounding 5-1 win to knot the best-of-seven series at 1-1 before the schedule shifts to Weyburn for games three and four Tuesday and Wednesday. Jack Janzen led the way for Nipawin offensively with two goals and an assist in the win.

“It was awesome, the most fun atmosphere and games I have ever played in,” the 19-year-old Martensville, Sask. product said after the game. “The boys got the bounce back we needed and we are ready to head to Weyburn.”

The second year Hawk forward scored in Friday’s game too, his SJHL playoff debut. He now has four points in two games to lead the team. Janzen said he’s always liked bigger games throughout his career.

“I feel like playoffs has always been my type of game. Our line was going well this weekend, and the puck has been going in. It’s been fun,” he said.

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Janzen scored the first and last goal of the game, Mason Eggen had the game winner, Konnor Watson and Braeden Jockims each added their first of the postseason. Not to be lost was a superb performance from Nipawin netminder Gage Roberts who made 40 saves for his first SJHL playoff win. Janzen said he was key in the win.

“Unbelievable, I was on the ice for that third period save ready to put my head down and head to the bench for a ‘dash’ and he kept the puck out. He was unreal, so huge for us all year and he’s going to keep being huge for us in this journey in the playoffs,” Janzen added.

Nipawin will travel to Weyburn on Monday afternoon with game three facing off at 7 p.m. The pregame show on 750 Beach Radio will start at 6:45 p.m.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com