Down 2-0 in the third period on the road against the reigning champions, the Hawks clawed back in the third, took a lead and eventually fell 4-3 in a shootout in their first trip to Melfort this season.
Mason Karakochuk, 18, started the comeback with his fifth goal of the year on a breakaway, Aiden Bruce tied the game 30 seconds later with his first career Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) goal in highlight reel fashion, and Ashton Tait set up Vito Biondo for his first of the year giving the Hawks the lead at the Northern Lights Palace.
The Mustangs tied the game in the final minute with the goalie pulled for an extra attacker and scored the only goal in the shootout earning the victory and extra point.
Nathan Claydon was spectacular in the Nipawin net making 41 saves over 65 minutes and stopping three of four shooters.
The Hawks are in Humboldt on Saturday for the first meeting of the year with the Broncos. The pregame show on 750 Beach Radio begins at 6:45 p.m., puck drop is 7 p.m.
