The Hawks scratched and clawed into the final minute Saturday in Humboldt, but a brief lapse in the third period was their downfall in a 5-3 loss to Humboldt.
Seeking a season series split Nipawin started strong on the road outshooting the Broncos through the first half of the game while killing five Humboldt power-plays in the first period, but the game remained goalless until the back half of the middle frame, Joel Mabin tipped a point shot in for his fifth goal of the season giving the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
The Broncos were able to tie the game 1-1 later in the second, sending the game to the third period tied.
Humboldt exploded for a trio of goals in just under three minutes in the third expanding a large enough lead to win three of four against the Hawks this year.
Alex Bernauer and Evan Forrest each scored late, closing the gap to one, but with Tyson Endall on the bench for an extra attacked, Humboldt scored to ice the game.
Nipawin’s penalty kill continues to sparkle killing all six Humboldt power-plays, the Hawks were 2/5 on the man-advantage, but not scoring on a five-minute major power-play in the second was a turning point in the game.
Next up for the Hawks is the Melville Millionaires on Tuesday.