Yorkton was all around the Hawks' net Thursday at the SJHL Showcase in Warman. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Looking for awnswers

Hawks hampered by defensive woes in loss; conclude week in Melfort Friday

Nov 17, 2023 | 9:35 AM

The Hawks headed back to Nipawin Thursday after a 5-4 loss to Yorkton at the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Showcase in Warman.

Facing off against the Terriers on the final day of the four-day Showcase at 10:30 a.m. was different for the team, but Assistant Coach Levi Stuart said the faceoff was the same for both teams and the Hawks didn’t adjust well enough.

“We talked about it all day yesterday and all morning that you find a way to be able to wake up and play the hockey we need to play to be successful and at the end of the day we didn’t do it,” Stuart said after the game at the Legends Centre.

Nipawin outscored Notre Dame on Wednesday to open the Showcase with a 7-5 victory. In that game, the Hawks gave up goals in the first two minutes of each period. On Thursday Yorkton scored 19 seconds into the game and added two more in the first two minutes of the third period as well. Stuart said getting started has been an ailment of Nipawin all year.

“Being ready and starting on time has been huge for us all year. It didn’t get any better in the last couple days like you said,” Stuart added. “It’s something that starts in practice and starts with our pregame preparation and something that we will be honing in on going forward.”

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Chase Visser, Eric Hoiness, Evan Forrest, and Braeden Jockims scored in the loss. Tyson Endall suffered the loss making 36 saves in the Nipawin net.

Overall Nipawin gave up 10 goals in two games and had their modest two-game winning streak snapped. Stuart said lapses in the defensive zone are costing them games.

“We’re swinging too much, not stopping and starting, taking care of the little details in front of our net. That’s just going to lead to disappointment if we keep doing that,” he said.

The Hawks hit the highway to Melfort Friday for a showdown with the Mustangs. Last week the Hawks beat the Mustangs in Nipawin. Melfort has won just twice in their last seven games and three of 10. Stuart said Melfort’s struggles are not a factor in the mindset his team needs to improve their play.

“It’s a chance to redeem ourselves and get back to playing Hawks hockey. You know, playing like we did in that win against them. We need to find a way to bring that energy,” he concluded.

Faceoff from the Northern Lights Palace is 7:30 p.m., the game will be on 750 Beach Radio beginning at 7:15 p.m.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

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