The Nipawin Hawks faced off against Humboldt at the Centennial Arena Friday night. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

One to forget

Humboldt humbles Hawks

Oct 15, 2022 | 1:07 PM

The Humboldt Broncos strolled into Nipawin and blew out the Hawks 11-4 Friday in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey (SJHL) action.

The Hawks were optimistic with the second-place Broncos coming to town after a 7-5 road win in Yorkton Tuesday night, but the home cooking had a bitter taste. The visitors quieted the home crowd with two goals early, the Hawks responded to cut the lead to 2-1 on Jake Smith’s third goal of the year but Humboldt piled on four more before the first period ended. Head Coach Tad Kozun was subdued by the club’s effort after the game.

“They got a few quick ones and then it snowballed from there and it just kept going,” he said. “We’ll get back to the drawing board next week and get ready for Notre Dame on Thursday.

One bright spot for the Hawks was captain Maguire Ratzlaff who scored two more goals, the 19-year-old Abbotsford, B.C. product has five goals in his last two games and leads the SJHL with 13 in 13 games. Alex Ochitwa also scored for the Hawks in the loss. Kozun said coming off a five-goal third period in Yorkton and an extended stint away from the Centennial Arena made the loss more upsetting.

“To come out like that and have an effort like, especially at home, we haven’t been here for quite a few games now and to be back in front of a big crowd is disappointing. Like I said, we’re going to get back to the drawing board, get back to work, and get back to Hawks hockey.”

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Reigning SJHL rookie of the week Reid Lalonde started in goal for Nipawin, he was relieved by Nolan McDowell after allowing four goals on eight shots. McDowell stopped 31 and allowed seven goals in relief.

Nipawin is now off until Oct. 20 when they host Notre Dame for the second time this year. Kozun said Friday’s result will simmer for several days, but that does allow some breathing room to regroup.

“Obviously it’s going to fester, but it’s also a good lesson for these guys that this is unacceptable,” Kozun said. “I have always said it is part of the process and this was a learning curve. We have to make sure we push back forward now.”

On Saturday the Hawks are hosting their Fire & Ice Gala at the Evergreen Centre.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork