The Nipawin Hawks rode a stingy defense to a 4-2 win over the Melville Millionaires in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action from Melville, extending the Hawks’ season-high point streak to 11 games.
The Dec. 9 contest saw the Hawks give up just 15 total shots, including no goals for more than 58 minutes.
The game got off to a solid start for the Hawks as Brandan Arnold scored his team leading 21st goal of the season at 12:23 of the first period, giving the Hawks a 1-0 lead after a first period that saw the teams combine for just eight total shots.
Arnold added his second of the night at 10:03 of the second period, and Thomas Lenchyshyn scored his third of the year 6:01 later as the Hawks pulled ahead 3-0 after the second period.
Logan Casavant furthered the Hawks’ lead to 4-0 with his eighth of the year at 8:34 of the final period.
Despite holding a 4-0 lead in the third period, the final minutes were not easy for the Hawks as the Millionaires scored twice in 1:33 to cut the score to 4-2.
Fortunately for the black and gold the Millionaires could not get any closer as the Hawks ran out the final 17 seconds off the clock to pick up the 4-2 win.
The Hawks’ power play enjoyed another solid night, as they finished 2-for-5 with the man advantage, while their penalty kill was also terrific as they killed off all six power plays they faced.
Jake Anthony picked up the win in the Hawks goal, turning aside 13 of the 15 shots he faced, as the Hawks outshot the Millionaires 24-15.
The Hawks return to action on Dec. 12 when they visit the Battlefords North Stars, with first place in the SJHL on the line.
