The La Ronge Ice Wolves battled back and forth in a tightly contested game Saturday night but ultimately fell 3–2 in overtime to the Nipawin Hawks at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre.
Despite being outshot 31–16, La Ronge showed resilience and grit, erasing an early deficit and pushing the game beyond regulation before Nipawin ended it 3:35 into the first overtime.
Nipawin opened the scoring just 1:12 into the game when Finley Radloff converted on a quick strike, but the Ice Wolves responded only 20 seconds later. William Knox buried his fifth of the season at 1:32, finishing a play set up by Owen Turner and Connor Hoemsen to even the score.
La Ronge took its first lead at 9:24 of the opening frame when Brock Inglis scored his first goal of the season, with Mattias De Zen and Grayden Perozni picking up the assists. The Hawks answered late in the period on the power play, as Eric Hoiness scored at 19:28 to send the teams into the first intermission tied 2–2.
The second and third periods were scoreless, highlighted by strong defensive play and stellar goaltending at both ends. Ice Wolves netminder Riley Zezel stood tall, stopping 28 of 31 shots through regulation and overtime, repeatedly keeping La Ronge in the game as the Hawks pressed offensively.
La Ronge’s penalty kill was tested throughout the night, facing four Nipawin power plays, while the Ice Wolves were unable to capitalize on three man-advantage opportunities of their own.
In overtime, Nipawin finally broke through. Will Whitter scored the game-winner at 3:35 of OT, finishing a give-and-go with Radloff to seal the 3–2 decision.
By the Numbers
- Final: Nipawin 3, La Ronge 2 (OT)
- Shots: Nipawin 31, La Ronge 16
- Power Play: La Ronge 0/3, Nipawin 1/4
Photo credit Lions Photography
