Second year Hawks' forward Jack Drake has been traded to Melville. (Photo courtesy Rhesa/Richard Petersen)

By Clark Stork

Making Moves

Coming in threes: Hawks alter roster with trio of trades

Nov 12, 2025 | 3:31 PM

The Nipawin Hawks have been busy off the ice during a 10-day break in games.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) club announced three trades this week.

First was the acquisition of 18-year-old forward Carter Cole from the Kindersley Klippers for a player development fee. Cole played U18 AAA hockey in Prince Albert with the Mintos alongside several current Hawk players.

General Manager Tad Kozun said the Edam, Sask., product will provide solid depth to the Hawks.

“He brings so much energy,” Kozun said. “How hard he works and plays; we think that is something we needed to add down at the bottom of our lineup, especially with Van Taylor out with an injury. With him out, we just thought we needed someone who can play hard and move like he does. I think he will be a great addition at the bottom of our lineup.”

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Cole has scored two goals and added two assists in nine games with Kindersley this year, as well as 29 penalty minutes.

In an exchange of forwards, Nipawin sent 19-year-old centreman Jack Drake to Melville for 2005-born winger Brendan Olson. Olson has five goals and two assists this season. Drake has two goals and a couple of assists for the Hawks this year.

Kozun said the move came down to numbers at his position.

“Obviously, we really like our top three centremen right now, so it’s hard to get ahead of them. Acquiring Olson, who can go onto the wing, it helps solidify our top nine forwards with someone we couldn’t pass up. He is a big body, works hard, gets to the net, we know he can score and put up points. Adding him to our top nine is very exciting to us,” Kozun said.

The Hawks also sent the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) playing rights of Jayden Kraus to Melville in the deal. The Prince Albert, Sask. product is currently playing goalie for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Finally, Nipawin announced the pickup of 2007-born defenseman Hudson Gainer from the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for another player development fee. Gainer already has 53 games of experience in the AJHL and eight postseason games as well.

Kozun said the Medicine Hat, Alta. native has plenty of attributes the Hawks sought.

“Adding a right shot back there that plays hard, skates well, gets back to pucks, moves pucks well, he’s a smaller guy, but he plays like a big man. We’re really excited to get him back there. Hopefully, he helps our power play and moves pucks that much better. Having a year of experience out in Alberta, he’s a veteran already, so we are really excited,” Kozun concluded.

The Hawks last played on Nov. 4, a 7-6 overtime win over the Battlefords. Nipawin hosts Melfort on Friday at the Centennial Arena. All three players are expected to be in the lineup.

Puck drop is 7 p.m.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com