Tyson Endall (31) made 19 saves for his first career SJHL win Saturday for the Nipawin Hawks. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Four point weekend

Hawks double down on Hounds

Oct 1, 2023 | 12:18 PM

The Nipawin Hawks collected back-to-back wins this weekend at the Centennial Arena after a 4-2 win Saturday over Notre Dame.

Trying to follow up Friday’s 7-1 win over Kindersley, the Hawks jumped out to a 4-0 lead against the Hounds before cruising to the win to push Nipawin’s record this Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season to two wins, a loss in regulation and a shootout loss. Head Coach Tad Kozun said he was happy with his clubs four points on the weekend.

“We obviously took some steps forward,” Kozun said after the game. “We cleaned up our defensive zone giving up just three goals on the weekend, with one pretty late in the game during the graveyard shifts, but we’re definitely happy with how it went.”

Hudson Cameron led the way offensively scoring a pair of goals, the 19-year-old forward from Kelowna has three goals this year, Joel Mabin added his first of the campaign in the win, rookie Eric Hoiness scored his second career SJHL goal in as many nights. Kozun said he was pleased with the control the Hawks had through 40 minutes, but the third period left something to be desired after the Hounds scored twice.

“You have to have that killer instinct to put these teams away because down the stretch you have to make sure you don’t let teams back into it that can crawl back. We’re definitely happy with four points this weekend and it’s a big confidence boost for our guys,” Kozun said.

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First-year SJHL goaltender Tyson Endall of Lyalta, Alta. made his Nipawin regular season debut, the 18-year-old made 19 stops for the win and added an assist with his active puck playing ability. Kozun said Endall’s efforts show the team has two formidable goalies going forward with Damon Cunningham.

“I thought he was really good,” Kozun said. “The way he handles the puck, acts like a third defenceman out there. The way he competes, it’s good for the guys to see and now they have confidence in both guys.”

Jesse Pye suffered the loss for the Hounds allowing four goals on 27 Hawk shots.

Nipawin is now off until Friday when they host the Battlefords North Stars in a home-and-home weekend. The Hawks will travel to North Battleford on Saturday. That game will be broadcasted on CJVR Radio beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Friday’s game is a 7 p.m. puck drop at the ‘Cage.’

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork