The Nipawin Hawks have officially kicked off the 2026–27 SJHL regular season, opening the year with games against the Melfort Mustangs, Battlefords North Stars and Warman Wolverines.
While the Hawks are still searching for their first win of the season, the opening stretch has featured plenty of offence, special-teams production and several players finding the scoresheet early.
Hawks Open Season in Melfort
Nipawin opened the regular season on the road in Melfort, where the Hawks struck late in the first period on the power play. #24 Mori-Goodman (1), with assists going to #16 ‘C’ Karakochuk (1) and #18 ‘A’ Jack Janzen (1).
The Hawks kept it going early in the second when #16 ‘C’ Karakochuk (1) scored, assisted by #18 ‘A’ Janzen (2).
Nipawin added another power-play marker late in the third as #17 Nickason (1) scored his first of the campaign. #5 ‘A’ Jack Mitchell (1) and #11 Fisher (1) picked up the assists.
Melfort ultimately took the season opener 6–3, despite an incredibly close shot count. Nipawin finished with 27 shots to Melfort’s 26.
Hawks Battle the North Stars
The Hawks were right back on the road the following night, heading to Battleford to take on the North Stars.
Nipawin’s lone goal came midway through the opening period on another successful power play. #20 Wallington (1) found the back of the net, with assists going to #18 ‘A’ Janzen (3) and #24 Mori-Goodman (1).
The North Stars went on to take the game 4–1, with another narrow margin on the shot clock. Battlefords held a 28–27 advantage in shots.
Home Opener Brings the Offence
Friday night finally brought Hawks hockey back to The Cage, as Nipawin welcomed the Warman Wolverines for the 2026–27 home opener.
#29 ‘A’ Evans (1) opened the scoring early in the first period, with assists going to #16 ‘C’ Karakochuk (2) and #7 Nesbitt (1). #39 Park (1) followed it up with a milestone moment, finding the back of the net for his first SJHL goal and giving Nipawin a strong start on home ice.
Warman answered with three goals in the second period.
The Hawks pushed back in the third.
#13 Wehren (1) scored his first of the season, with assists going to #29 ‘A’ Evans (1) and #8Eggen (1). #16 ‘C’ Karakochuk (2) then added his second goal of theseason, with assists going to #29 ‘A’ Evans (2) and #11 Fisher (2), as Nipawin battled right to the final buzzer.
The Wolverines held on for the 5–4 victory, but the Hawks generated their most offensive pressure of the season so far, firing 47 shots on goal compared to Warman’s 41.
Through the opening three games, Nipawin has shown an ability to generate chances and produce on special teams, with three of the Hawks’ eight goals coming on the power play.
The results haven’t landed in the win column yet, but with a long season ahead, the Hawks will look to build off the offensive push shown in their home opener and turn those opportunities into their first victory of the 2026–27 campaign.
