Hawks do just enough to beat Millionaires
It was not easy but the Nipawin Hawks extended their point streak to 20 straight games with a 2-1 win over the Melville Millionaires in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action from Melville on Jan. 12.
The game got off to an excellent start for the Hawks, who were flying in the first period as they outshot the Millionaires 12-5, and picked up the lone goal of the period, thanks to Austin Mikesch’s 13th goal of the season – and sixth in his last four games.
The second period turned chippy between the two teams with neither finding the back of the net, as they combined for 13 penalties, totaling more than 50 minutes.
The third period saw the two teams get back to playing hockey, save for one stoppage, which saw the teams combine for five penalties, totaling ten minutes.
The Millionaires struck first, tying the game thanks to a shorthanded marker from Cory Schillo at 2:45 of the final period.
The game remained tied until late in regulation when Mikesch beat Millionaires goaltender Colby Entz for his second of the game, and seventh in a stretch of four games, giving the Hawks the win.
It was far from a perfect effort for the Hawks, who struggled on the power play, finishing the evening 0-for-6 with the man advantage with a shorthanded goal against, while being outshot in each of the final two periods.
Declan Hobbs picked up the win in the Hawks goal turning aside 22 of the 23 shots he faced, while Jake Anthony turned aside each of the two shots he faced, coming on in relief of Hobbs for the final 3:00 of period two.
Much like the scoreclock, it was a closely contested game on the shot clock, as the Hawks outshot the Millionaires 26-25.
Hawks take over in second half to beat Millionaires
The Nipawin Hawks head into their mini showcase break on a high note as they picked up a 4-1 win over the Melville Millionaires in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action, extending the Hawks incredible points streak to 21 consecutive games.
The Jan. 13 contest got off to a slow start for the home side as Isaac Embree put the Millionaires up 1-0 with his 11th goal of the season.
The game stayed 1-0 in favour of the Millionaires into the second period, when the Hawks began taking over.
Michael Grant scored his 21st goal of the season at 15:20, and Austin Mikesch scored his 15th of the year, and eighth in his last five games, to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead after two periods.
The Hawks extended their lead in the third thanks to Jordan Simoneau’s seventh goal of the year.
Looking to make a game of it late, the Millionaires pulled their goalie, and newly acquired Hawk Tyler Adams hit the empty net for his first goal as a Hawk to put the game away.
Jake Anthony picked up the win in the Hawks goal turning aside 28 of the 29 shots he faced, as the Hawks outshot the Millionaires 33-29.
After enjoying a brief break, the Hawks will return to action on Jan. 19 when they welcome the Notre Dame Hounds to town, with the Hawks’ 21 game point streak on the line.
