The Nipawin Hawks celebrate their first win of the SJHL season Wednesday in La Ronge. (Image Credit: Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

In the win column

Strong road effort leads Hawks to first win; Johnson victorious in debut

Oct 1, 2026 | 10:30 AM

The Nipawin Hawks have their first win of the 2026 – 27 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season after a 5-2 triumph in La Ronge Wednesday.

After scoring twice in 17 seconds in the first period; the visitors generated a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes and cruised to the win, their first in four games this season.

Jack Janzen scored twice; and Ashton Tait added three assists in the game. Connor Johnson made his Hawks’ debut in goal. The 20-year-old Calgary, Alta. product was credited with 25 saves in the win. He was ecstatic after the game helping lead the team to a win.

“I am just excited that the boys got into the win column,” he said after the game. “I am excited to get to play here this season with this team. I have been having a lot of fun since I have been here. I am excited to keep moving forward and the keep the momentum going.”

Mason Karakochuk opened the scoring with his third goal of the season. Janzen followed that up with his first of the year. Rookie forward Austin Mori-Goodman tapped a powerplay goal in early in the second for his second and first game winning goal in the SJHL. Carson Park chipped in with his second, Janzen capped the Hawks’ offence with his second of the game halfway through the middle period.

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Nipawin outshot the Ice Wolves 32 to 27. Johnson said he wasn’t very busy between the pipes and the team made it an easy night.

“I didn’t have a tonne of action, but I did my part when the boys needed me. For the most part they kept all the shots to the outside and made my night easy. It’s a big one for the guys,” he concluded.

Nipawin will now head south for two games starting with Weyburn on Friday. The Hawks are in Estevan on Saturday.

There will be no radio broadcasts of the games.

Nipawin returns home to face Estevan on Oct. 7.

by Clark Stork

Strong road effort leads Hawks to first win; Johnson victorious in debut

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