Hawks netminder Tyson Endall did all he could, and the offence provided some timely goals, but Nipawin fell short 4-3 in Flin Flon on Friday.
With just one 20-year-old and six returnees on their roster for opening night of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) regular season, the Hawks got 59 saves from their second year netminder in the loss.
Flin Flon opened the scoring in the first period, newly appointed captain Finley Radloff tied the game with his first of the season on a powerplay.
The Bombers restored their lead in the second period, but another late period goal for the Hawks knotted the game at 2-2 courtesy rookie forward Jack Janzen scoring his first career SJHL goal.
The Hawks gave up two goals early in the third, but kept the game within two despite some penalty problems, and made the game close late, Carter Anderson scored in his Nipawin debut after being acquired from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) champion Calgary Canucks.
Nipawin had 20 shots on goal.
The penalty killing was a positive on Friday as well, Nipawin held Flin Flon scoreless in five opportunities, the Hawks scored on one of three man advantages, but they gave up a shorthanded goal in the second period.
Next up is the Hawks home opener on Saturday against the La Ronge Ice Wolves. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m.
