The Nipawin Hawks were on the road Tuesday night for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, taking on the Weyburn Red Wings in a tightly contested matchup that ultimately slipped away in the third period.
The opening frame saw both teams come out structured and disciplined, with neither side able to find the back of the net.
Weyburn broke the deadlock early in the second period as Schraeder opened the scoring. The Hawks responded with a strong push, capitalizing on their opportunities to take control of the game.
Forward #18 Jack Janzen netted his fourth of the playoffs on the power play, finishing a setup from #11 Captain Finley Radloff (2) and #10 Will Whitter (2). Nipawin kept the momentum rolling shortly after, as #39 Noah Derouin scored his first of the postseason, assisted by #13 A Carter Anderson (1) and #7 A Eric Hoiness (2), giving the Hawks a 2–1 lead heading into the third.
In the final frame, #4 Braeden Jockims (2) scored with helpers from #7 A Eric Hoiness (3) and #11 C Finley Radloff (3).
However, the Red Wings dominated the third, scoring five goals in the period. Weyburn tallies came from Mohan, Pearce, two from Pierce (one being an empty net), and Molde.
Shots on goal favored the Red Wings 44–20.
The Hawks will look to regroup quickly as they return to action tonight for Game 4, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM in Weyburn.
