The Nipawin Hawks were on the road last night in North Battleford as they took on the Battlefords North Stars in the third meeting of the season. Despite a strong offensive showing, the Hawks came up short in a 6–5 loss and now sit at 1 win and 2 losses against the Stars this season.
Nipawin opened the scoring early in the first period when #21 Ashton Tait (5) found the back of the net with assists from #4 Braeden Jockims (4) and #17 Brendan Olson (12). The Hawks added another on the power play as #21 Ashton Tait (6) scored his second of the night, assisted by #2 Noah Heinrich (7) and #10 Will Whitter (12). Nipawin rounded out the first period scoring with a goal from #4 Braeden Jockims (2), with helpers from #7 ‘A’ Eric Hoiness (18) and #39 Noah Derouin (5). The Stars’ lone goal of the period came from Nelson.
In the second period, the Hawks continued to press. #7 ‘A’Hoiness (10) scored early with help from #18 Jack Janzen (13) and later #13 ‘A’ Carter Anderson (5) added another for Nipawin, assisted by #10 Will Whitter (13) and #14 Mason Lowther (4). North Battleford responded with goals from Campbell and Geysen to keep the game tight.
The third period belonged to the Stars, who scored three times with goals from Williamson, Campbell, and Knittig to complete the comeback.
Final score was 6–5 in favor of the North Stars. Shots on goal were 44–42 favouring North Battleford.
The Hawks are back on the road Friday, January 9, when they travel to Humboldt for a 7:30 PM puck drop. Nipawin returns home Sunday, January 11, as they welcome the Humboldt Broncos to the Cage for a 3:00 PM matinee.
