New era underway in Nipawin

Conrad Mitchell and Walker Jerome scored for La Ronge in the first period giving the Ice Wolves a 2-0 lead the Hawks could never climb out of. La Ronge took a 3-0 lead in the second period courtesy Gavin Mattey’s first of two goals on the night. He would cap the scoring with just 12 seconds left making the final 5-1.

Nipawin looked for a spark early in the third, Christian Albertson scored his team-leading eighth goal of the season on a powerplay cutting the lead to 3-1 just a couple minutes into the period. Aaron Greyeyes restored La Ronge’s later in the third period disposing of any chance of a Nipawin comeback.

Kozun said the tally was the deciding factor.

“You get a goal back, we got ten minutes left and we only need two, I thought we were getting something there,” he said. “Then they score that next one and we just looked a little defeated.”

Chase Hamm made the start in goal for the Hawks stopping 32 shots in the loss. Xavier Cannon won his second straight game of the weekend.

Kozun said the loss finalized an emotional day for the organization.

“We got behind the eight ball early, you try to stay positive and keep the guys going—but it’s— I’m exhausted, I really am. We just have to regroup, tomorrow is a new day, and we have to refresh,” he said.

Despite both wins, Nipawin still leads the season series four victories to two. They will meet again in late January for the final two games against each other this Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season.

Next up for Nipawin is Flin Flon, the Bombers visit the Centennial Arena Tuesday. Kozun said the team will regroup and be prepared for the matchup.

“I’m going to learn from tonight, we just have to be patient, this is a huge learning curve. I expect a much better effort on Tuesday, we’ll regroup tomorrow and get back to work Monday,” he concluded.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork

by Clark Stork

New era underway in Nipawin

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