*Photo Credit Richard Peterson
The Nipawin Hawks welcomed the Kindersley Klippers to the Cage on tonight and gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about, skating to a hard-fought 4–3 victory in an exciting, back-and-forth contest.
The Klippers opened the scoring early in the first period with a goal from Evans, but the Hawks quickly took control. Nipawin responded with two goals in the opening frame, starting with #18 Jack Janzen (8), who finished off a play set up by #39 Tiernan Ryan (4). Just minutes later, #34 Konnor Watson (18) made it 2–1 Hawks with helpers from #4 Braeden Jockims (5) and #20 Rayder Wallington (9).
Kindersley evened things up in the second period as Motley found the back of the net to tie the game 2–2 heading into the third.
The Klippers struck first in the final frame, with Thiessen giving the visitors a 3–2 lead, but the Hawks answered right back. #28 Sean Shiels (4) tied the game with a clutch goal, assisted by ‘A ‘#7 Eric Hoiness (20) and #17 Brendan Olson (13). Not long after, #18 Jack Janzen (9) buried his second of the night, the game-winner, with helpers from #10 Will Whitter (15) and #8 Clayton Nesbitt (3).
The Hawks controlled the shot clock, outshooting the Klippers 34–23, and held on down the stretch to secure a huge two points.
The win is a big one for Nipawin, as it pushes the Hawks into second place overall in the standings.
The Hawks are back at home on Friday, January 16, when they welcome the Yorkton Terriers to the Cage for the second time this season. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.
