Ice Wolves clipped by Hawks

The La Ronge Ice Wolves dropped a 3-2 decision to the Nipawin Hawks Wednesday night at the Mel Hegland Uniplex.

“We’re in a bit of a rut here – five losses in a row with only one point,” said Ice Wolves Asst. Coach Kyle Schneider. “We’re the home team tonight and I thought Nipawin came with more energy than us – that can’t happen in our barn.”

The Hawks opened the scoring 3:52 into the game when Carson Dobson jammed home a rebound past Dawson Smith, who turned away 29 shots in a losing cause. The Ice Wolves tied the game at one on the power play 18:57 into the game when Liam McInnis sent a rocket past Damon Cunningham for his first of the season.

“Liam is just a calming presence on our blue line,” said Schneider. “He’s really talented offensively, but he’s also accountable in our own end. He’s a great leader for us – I thought Liam had a really solid game tonight.”

Meanwhile, Francois-Xavier Bedard and Carson Dobson scored in the middle frame as the Hawks took a 3-1 lead into the third stanza.

Kaycee Coyle ripped home his fifth of the campaign with 38 seconds left in the third, but it was too little, too late for the Ice Wolves on Wednesday evening.

The Ice Wolves are now riding a five-game losing streak following their setback to Nipawin. La Ronge’s record slipped to 21-13-3, which still has them controlling third in the SJHL standings.

La Ronge will look to respond Saturday night at home when they host the Melville Millionaires at the Mel Hegland Uniplex.