By Craig Stein
HAWKS, STARS, BOMBERS MOVE TO 2-0
Ethan Slobodzian and the Nipawin Hawks are perfect through the SJHL’s opening weekend, posting back to back 3-0 shutouts over their rivals from Melfort, including Saturday’s victory on the road.
For Slobodzian, he’s stopped all 51 shots he’s faced in the SJHL, including all 26 on Saturday for his second shutout in as many nights.
Carson Erhardt (1g-1a), Jake Tremblay and Evan Bortis did the scoring.
Shawn Parkinson made 28/30 saves in goal for the Mustangs.
******
The Battlefords North Stars scored seven goals for a second straight night, staying perfect early on with a 7-4 win over Kindersley, sweeping that home and home.
Austin Becker had two goals and an assist, giving him three goals on the year. Ryland McNinch (1g-1a), Quintin Loon Stewardson (1g-1a), Dace Prymak, Steven Kesserling and Seth Summers also scored, while Adam Dmyterko made 29/33 saves.
Austin Nault and Zach Ziegler each had a goal and an assist for the Klippers, with Damon McKenzie and Liam Fraser rounding out the scoring.
******
Luke Nkwama scored his first career hat trick, leading the Melville Millionaires over the Yorkton Terriers 7-2, as Melville grabbed three of a possible four points on opening weekend.
Nic Porterfiled (1g-1a) and Aidan Steinke both scored for a second straight night, while Braden Larochelle and Jacob Bourchier also got in on the act. Berk Berkeliev made 19/20 saves in the win.
Ethan Robson and Ryan Granville got on the scoreboard for the Terriers.
******
The Flin Flon Bombers are off to a 2-0 start, sweeping their home and home with La Ronge with a 4-1 road win on Saturday.
Cole Rafuse followed up a three assist night Friday, with two goals and an assist on Saturday giving him a league-high six points on opening weekend. Six points actually has him tied with teammate Donavan Houle-Villeneuve, who scored his fifth goal of the young season on Saturday, and added an assist. Alec Malo also added a goal and an assist while Jacob Delorme picked up the win in goal.
Kyle Ford scored his second goal in as many nights for the Ice Wolves.
******
Jarrett Penner scored a pair of goals and Riley Kohonick stopped 47 of the 48 shots he faced leading the Notre Dame Hounds to a 4-1 win in Humboldt, in the first game of the season for both teams Saturday.
Jayce Nikbakht and Jackson Tillinghast also scored for Notre Dame.
Isaac Leik had the lone marker for the Broncos. The two teams go at it again on Sunday in Wilcox.