The Hawks and North Stars will face-off for the final time this SJHL season Tuesday in North Battleford. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

North Battleford Bound

Hawks hit highway for last regular season road game in North Battleford

Mar 7, 2023 | 2:19 PM

Seeking a winning road record, two points, and still a shot at sixth place overall in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) standings, the Hawks have lots on their minds heading into Tuesday’s game in North Battleford.

Nipawin is coming off an exciting 3-2 shootout win over Melfort Sunday afternoon in front of over 1,600 at the Northern Lights Palace. The win was the Hawks 12^th victory of the SJHL season away from the Centennial Arena and 26^th victory overall this season. The team will send a thinner lineup to face the top-ranked North Stars with three affiliate players dressed to fill the lineup hindered by illness, injuries and suspensions. But Hawks’ Head Coach Tad Kozun said he still expects a solid effort.

“We’re missing a few guys tonight so it’s next man up mentality and it gives some guys some opportunities to show what they got,” Kozun said Tuesday afternoon.

Tyler Gudjonson will be joined by Macklin’s Dayton Reschny who will make his SJHL debut. Carter Mason will also return to the lineup, the 18-year-old from Perdue was with the Hawks for most of the first half of the season before joining the Junior ‘B’ Delisle Chiefs. Kozun said for a player like Mason drawing into the lineup tonight he could see playoff lineups as well.

“We know the playoffs are coming soon so it’s an opportunity for guys to go into the lineup and elevate their game so we know what they got,” he continued. “Injuries are going to happen, what are guys going to do with their opportunities now?”

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

The Hawks enter the game four points ahead of the Weyburn Red Wings for seventh, Weyburn has one less game played. Estevan would have to assist Nipawin with a couple losses to allow the Hawks a spot in sixth.

Nipawin will conclude the regular season Friday at the Centennial Arena. Admission is free.

Tuesday’s game at the Access Communications Centre will face-off at 7:30 p.m., the pregame show of Rona Nipawin Hawks Hockey begins at 7:15 p.m. on 750 Beach Radio.

–

clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork