Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter
The Nipawin Hawks were in Weyburn to take on the Red Wings Thursday. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)
Hawks Hockey

Hawks clipped in Weyburn by Wings

Oct 7, 2022 | 12:05 PM

The Nipawin Hawks couldn’t hold on for their second straight win Thursday night in Weyburn, but they did earn a point in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Wings.

Weyburn took a 1-0 lead to the dressing room for the first intermission, and it appeared the second period would remain stale, but Nipawin’s Joel Mabin and Rylan Lefebvre scored late in the middle period giving the visitors a 2-1 lead at the break.

Weyburn tied the scored midway through the third period forcing overtime. The Hawks had two powerplays in the five-minute overtime period and could capitalize, something head coach Tad Kozun said cost the team the extra point.

“It’s one of those things where you need that killer instinct,” Kozun said on the Rona Nipawin Hawks Hockey broadcast. “You are four-on-three for pretty much the whole overtime, you’ve got to bear down and put that nail in the coffin.”

Despite the loss, Nipawin still has three points on the trip and can still return home happy pending a win in Estevan Friday. Kozun said he expects the team to rebound at Affinity Place.

“It’s always tough when you go on a three-in-three, but we see what guys rise to the occasion. You are looking for guys that want to compete every night,” he said.

The Bruins are a familiar foe already this SJHL season. The Hawks have faced Estevan three times and have a pair of wins. Friday’s game poses another test with the end of the trip in sight, but Kozun said no excuses can be made.

“It’s obviously grueling, but the more you elevate levels the more you do this,” he explained. “It’s one of those ones you find everything in you, find another gear, and just do the little things right. We’ll be successful.”

Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will not be broadcasted on Beach Radio due to the Roughrider broadcast.

clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork