The Hawks fell just short in La Ronge against the Ice Wolves Friday in SJHL action. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW)

By Clark Stork

Penalty problems

Special teams Hawks downfall in loss to La Ronge

Oct 19, 2024 | 12:39 PM

The Nipawin Hawks struggled killing penalties Friday in La Ronge, and couldn’t capitalize on their own powerplay chances in a 5-4 loss to the Ice Wolves.

Looking to return to the win column for the first time since Oct. 4, the Hawks travelled to the Mel Hegland Uniplex for the first time this Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season to open the weekend.

The Hawks opened the scoring in the first period with Mason Karakochuk’s third goal of the season, the lead stood until the middle portion of the second period.

La Ronge tied the game with a powerplay goal, and took the lead just nine seconds later. The Hawks responded and tied the game 2-2 with Carter Anderson’s fourth of the year. Going to the third tied on the road is a manageable situation, but Nipawin gave up two more powerplay goals in the third, fell down 5-3 after Jack Janzen cut the lead to 4-3 with his second SJHL goal, however the Ice Wolves extended their lead to two again, Ashton Tait fired his first SJHL goal past Logan Falk with a minute left but the Hawks couldn’t get the equalizer. Assistant Coach Derek Hutton said on the postgame show the group had too many miscues.

“The guys played a hard, intense game, but we just took a few too many moments off and the puck ended up in the back of our net unfortunately handing us this result when we deserved a better fate,” he said on the postgame show on 750 Beach Radio.

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The Hawks had six chances with the man advantage and didn’t score, meanwhile the Ice Wolves 11th ranked powerplay scored three times, ultimately deciding the game and giving La Ronge their third win over Nipawin already his season. Hutton said the powerplay did generate, but did decide the outcome.

“I felt we moved the puck well, had some chances and just couldn’t get one when we needed. We also need to use the powerplay as a momentum builder if we can’t get a goal. We will always take the powerplays, but it’s definitely something that needs to start getting results,” he said.

The Hawks are back on the ice Saturday when they host the reigning SJHL champion Melfort Mustangs.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com