The Nipawin Hawks’ lead in their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League best of seven semi-final series was cut in half as they dropped a 3-2 decision in Flin Flon.
The April 4 game got off to a great start for the Hawks as Eric Bolden found the back of the net just over three minutes in but they could not keep the momentum as the Bombers responded with goals in each of the three periods to take a 3-1 lead.
Brandan Arnold got the Hawks back in the game with a power play marker with 2:01 to play but they could not get any closer.
“We gave ourselves a chance at the end but we made some mistakes early on that cost us,” said Doug Johnson, the Hawks’ head coach.
The late goal was huge for the Hawks as it marked their first power play goal of the series after being held scoreless in their first seven chances.
“It was nice to get,” said Johnson.
Declan Hobbs turned aside 31 of the 34 shots he faced in his first career SJHL playoff start.
