Mason Lowther scored his first career SJHL goal Friday which turned out to be the game winner in Melfort. (Clark Stork/northeastnow Staff)

By Clark Stork

Rivalry renewed

Hawks rookie gets game winner in hostile territory

Sep 22, 2025 | 9:17 AM

The Hawks scored three powerplay goals Friday including the game winner off the stick of rookie Mason Lowther in Nipawin’s 4-3 win over Melfort at the Northern Lights Palace.

Second-year Hawks captain Finley Radloff opened the scoring just over a minute into the first Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) game of the 2025 -26 regular season. Nipawin held the lead until the first period of the second period; Melfort tied the game 1-1 on a powerplay.

Nipawin restored their lead on the mad advantage a few minutes later, Konnor Watson scored his first of two goals in the game giving the Hawks a 2-1 edge prior to the midway point of regulation.

Melfort tied the game with another powerplay goal, followed by an even strength tally a minute later earning the back-to-back champions their first lead of the game.

The third period began with an almost full length powerplay that Watson scored on tying the game 3-3 in the opening minute of the third period. Shortly after 18-year-old forward Mason Lowther jumped on a rebound in the slot scoring his first career SJHL goal.

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“Feels pretty awesome, it was nice to get it done right away,” the Leduc, Alta. product said after the game.

Overall, the Hawks scored three times on four powerplays and killed four of the six they took on the road.

The Mustangs celebrated their 2024 – 25 championship with a banner raising ceremony in front of a large crowd at the Palace. Lowther said the team enjoyed upsetting the champs in their rink.

“It feels great, they are a good team over so to come away with the two points is huge. The second wasn’t our best, but we came out in the third ready to go and we get the two points,” he said.

Gage Roberts earned the first star making 31 stops in the victory for Nipawin.

Mason Karokochuk added two assists, Jack Drake and Van Taylor also added assists in the win.

The Hawks return to action on Friday when they open their home schedule against the Flin Flon Bombers. Faceoff is 7 p.m.