The Nipawin Hawks’ playoff run came to an end Monday night in Weyburn, as the Red Wings earned a 5-2 win in Game 6 to close out the first-round series.
Weyburn opened the scoring in the first period with goals from Pearce and Keller, but the Hawks answered back before the frame was over. Captain #11 Finley Radloff (1) found the back of the net for Nipawin, with the assist going to #34 Konnor Watson (4), cutting the deficit to one after 20 minutes.
The Red Wings added the only goal of the second period, getting one from Burgess to take a 3-1 lead into the third.
Nipawin pushed back in the final frame and made it a one-goal game when #2 Noah Heinrich (2) scored, with assists from #18 Jack Janzen (2) and #13 A Carter Anderson (2). The Hawks continued to press for the equalizer, but Weyburn sealed the game with a pair of empty-net goals from Pearce and Sale.
Shots on goal slightly favoured Nipawin, 36-35.
While this was not the ending the Hawks had hoped for, this season marked meaningful growth for the organization. The return of playoff hockey to The Cage brought energy, pride, and belief back into the building, and the support from Hawks fans all season long never wavered.
The organization would like to recognize its graduating players for their commitment, leadership, and the standard they set: #11 Captain Finley Radloff, #7 Assistant Captain Eric Hoiness, #13 Assistant Captain Carter Anderson, #2 Noah Heinrich, #4 Braden Jockims, #6 Brady Seabrook, and #17 Brendan Olson. You didn’t just wear the jersey, you carried the identity of this team. You led through adversity, pushed through the tough nights, and helped build something this group will carry forward. Thank you for everything you gave to the Nipawin Hawks. Good luck in what comes next, and remember: once a Hawk, always a Hawk.
A special recognition as well to #26 Van Taylor. This wasn’t the season you had envisioned, but what you showed was something just as powerful. The strength, resilience, and bravery to adapt, to stay engaged, and to support your teammates in a different role did not go unnoticed. Watching you grow behind the bench and find a new way to be part of the game was something truly special, and something this organization is incredibly proud of.
To our billet families, thank you feels too small for what you do. You open your homes, your lives, and your hearts to these players. You turn a season into a home away from home. The meals, the rides, the conversations, the quiet support, it all matters more than words can fully capture. We are endlessly grateful. A special thank you to Tina Haluke for the care, time, and dedication she pours into making this program work and building lasting relationships that go far beyond the rink.
To our player families, thank you for trusting us with your sons. That trust is never taken lightly. The support you show from near and far, the sacrifices you make, and the belief you have in this program help shape these young men every single day.
To our volunteers, you are the heartbeat of this organization. From game days to events to behind-the-scenes moments no one sees, you show up time and time again. The hours you give, the energy you bring, and the pride you carry for this team does not go unnoticed. Quite simply, we could not do this without you.
To our coaching and support staff, thank you for the relentless commitment you give to this team. The long hours, the preparation, the care for each player, and the drive to make this program better every day, it shows, and it matters.
And to our sponsors and donors, thank you for believing in what we are building. Your support creates opportunity. It gives these players a place to grow, to compete, and to chase something bigger than themselves. This organization stands because of you, and we are incredibly grateful.
Season ticket information for next season will be available soon.
We’ll see you next year at The Cage.
