By Clark Stork

Hawks lock up home ice advantage

Mar 7, 2018 | 7:00 AM

The road to the Canalta Cup will go through Nipawin.

The Hawks clinched the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s (SJHL) top record with a 7-1 win over La Ronge Tuesday night, securing home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Logan Casavant scored once and added three assists in Nipawin’s 42nd win of the season. The Melfort product said winning the regular season banner is a special feeling.

“It definitely means a lot to the team, the town, the fans. It feels good to finally clinch and know we are the best team in the league,” he said.

Brandan Arnold provided four assists. Jordan Simoneau and Tyler Adams each scored a pair of goals, while Jeremy Bisson and Michael Grant rounded out the offensive onslaught. Jake Anthony made 23 saves in the Hawks’ win. Merek Pipes faced an astounding 64 shots, allowing seven goals.

Casavant said the team’s home rink will be an advantage in the playoffs.

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“It’s a small rink, teams are used to it. We do think it’s an advantage and good for us,” he said.

Nipawin will meet the lowest-seeded surviving team from the two SJHL wild-card series.

In Flin Flon, the Melfort Mustangs concluded the regular season with a 4-3 loss versus the Bombers.

Drew Warketine scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season and added an assist. Rock Ruschkowski added his 16th goal in the loss. Tristen Elder was stopped on a penalty shot late in the first period.

Hunter Arps made 31 saves in the loss in goal, and Brenden Newton earned the victory for Flin Flon with 27 saves.

The Mustangs will open the playoffs March 16 against the Humboldt Broncos at the Northern Lights Palace.

clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork