The Nipawin Hawks played an excellent game at both ends of the ice, and knocked off the Weyburn Red Wings 4-1 in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action in Nipawin on Oct. 28.
The Red Wings actually got on the board first as they scored on the power play just 4:12 into the game to take a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
Doug Johnson, the Hawks’ head coach, noted his team was sloppy on that kill, as players were taking shortcuts and it cost them, but noted his team played really well the rest of the way.
“We played as well as we needed to and finally wore them down at the end where we were really starting to pot some chances. I think seeing them score the three goals in the third period really gave our guys some confidence and hopefully it builds through this weekend.”
The Hawks wasted little time tying the game in the second as Grant Baetsen scored his first since returning to the Hawks just 49 seconds in.
The game remained tied until the 30 second mark of the third when Keillan Olson scored his fifth of the year to give the Hawks their first lead of the game.
Brandan Arnold then took over for the Hawks scoring two goals in 44 seconds to round out the scoring.
The Hawks win snapped a streak of ten straight Red Wings victories, and handed the Red Wings their first loss since Sept. 25.
Despite beating a red hot team, and snapping their ten game winning streak, Johnson noted they cannot put too much stock into the win, noting the game means nothing the next time they play.
“At the end of the day it was one of 58 so hopefully the guys realize what it takes to win and build off that. But at the end of the day if we think too much about this then probably no good’s going to come of it.”
Declan Hobbs picked up another win in the Hawks goal, turning aside 16 of the 17 shots he faced, as the Hawks outshot the Red Wings 43-17.
With the Hawks allowing just 17 shots on goal, Johnson noted his team did a great job of limiting any Red Wings momentum, creating turnovers, and using their speed on the forecheck.
“I just thought we did everything we wanted to and we’ve just got to keep playing defensively like that.”
The Hawks’ next action comes Nov. 3 when they travel to Weyburn for a rematch with the Red Wings.
The game in Weyburn will see the Hawks play on a larger ice surface than they are used to, but Johnson said he sees that as an advantage for his club.
“I think we’re one of the faster teams within the league and we can really push the pace. So with more ice there we can generate a little more speed, we can get the feet moving a little bit more and really attack offensively.”
