The Millionaires beat Damon Cunningham four times in a 4-2 Melville win Sunday in SJHL play. (Clark Stork/northeastNOW Staff)

By Clark Stork

Penalty problems persist

Special teams cost Hawks again on the road

Jan 15, 2024 | 1:24 PM

The Nipawin Hawks have given up six power-play goals against in their last two road games, consequently the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) team has lost them both by the score 4-2 including Sunday’s contest in Melville against the Millionaires.

The game started with three Hawks taking 10-minute misconduct penalties for not wearing neck guards during the warmup. The “no explanation” infractions were just the start of a bad night according to Head Coach Tad Kozun.

“Giving up two power-play goals again and obviously a five-on-three shorthanded goal is completely unacceptable,” Kozun said on the postgame on 750 Beach Radio. “We have to get back to drawing board here and make sure we start playing hockey again.”

Nipawin had five powerplays of their own, including extended two man advantages in the opening period and the second frame. Landon Pappas did score a power-play goal for the rookie blueliners’ fifth of the year. But only getting one goal in five opportunities won’t lead to wins.

“That’s two games in a row on the road that it definitely cost us. We weren’t taking care of the puck, turning over pucks; we were swinging all over the place. It’s one of those games we’re going to learn from, and we have to get better from,” Kozun added.

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With the victory, Melville’s first over Nipawin since Feb. 6, 2022, the Millionaires are now just two points back of the Hawks for fifth in the SJHL standings. Estevan and Kindersley are also a pair of points behind Nipawin, Weyburn and Yorkton are four and six points back respectively. Kozun admits his team has their work cut out for them over the final 20 games.

“Every team is chasing us for that for that spot and we’re not ahead by much. We have to find a way and be playing hockey every single night,” Kozun said.

Next up for Nipawin is a trip to Flin Flon to meet the Bombers on Wednesday. The game is the make-up contest for Jan. 12’s postponement. Kozun said the Hawks appreciate the quick turnaround and need to be better prepared for the explosive Bombers.

“We have to have a much better effort and much better attention to details and the whole process we are doing here,” he concluded.

Faceoff is 7:30 p.m. from the Whitney Forum, the pregame show on 750 Beach Radio begins at 7:15 p.m.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

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by Clark Stork

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Special teams cost Hawks again on the road

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