Jayden Kraus (37) stares down Mason Buekert of La Ronge during the 16-year-olds SJHL debut Saturday in Nipawin. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Saturday Night Hockey

Hawks swept in weekend set with Ice Wolves

Jan 29, 2023 | 12:08 PM

The Nipawin Hawks had a fantastic month of January picking up seven wins in 10 games, however the La Ronge Ice Wolves rained on their parade to close the month this weekend.

Nipawin was three minutes away from their seventh straight win Friday when the Ice Wolves tied the game late and won in overtime, Saturday in the season series finale La Ronge used three second-period goals to propel them to a 6-3 win at the Centennial Arena to sweep the weekend home-and-home set between the two Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) clubs.

Topher Chirico was the difference for the Ice Wolves making 87 saves over two games including the 3-2 overtime win Friday. Nipawin pelted La Ronge with 47 shots Saturday but ended up pointless for their first time since Jan. 6. Head Coach Tad Kozun said they faced a goaltender playing at the top of his game.

“You look at the shots, their goalie played really well pretty much both games and stole for them this weekend,” Kozun said after the game.

Mason Buekert was key in La Ronge’s win as well scoring three times. Reese Malkewich, Maguire Ratzlaff, and Zander Stewart provided the Nipawin goals in the loss.

Inflation

Rent inflation to slow in the next few years, Desjardins predicts

20h ago

Fire in Nipawin area

Fire destroys house in R.M. of Torch River

21h ago

Election results

New and familiar faces elected during municipal election in Northeast communities

22h ago

The final shot tally was 47 to 17 in favour of the Hawks. Jackson Fellner allowed four goals on eight shots, he was relieved by 16-year-old Jayden Kraus. The emergency backup goaltender from Prince Albert made seven saves and gave up one goal.

Kozun was pleased with his teams’ effort and now just needs the players to bear down on chances to put teams away with that many opportunities.

“You must find ways to score those goals, it takes hard work. Back to the drawing board and making sure we’re working hard and ready for our next challenge,” Kozun added.

The next test for the Hawks is Feb. 4 when they travel to Flin Flon to tangle with the Bombers.

This week, Kozun along with Ratzlaff and Stewart will travel to Winnipeg for the SJHL-MJHL Showcase.

–

clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork