HAWKS GRAB 3-2 SERIES LEAD OVER BRUINS

The Nipawin Hawks are one win away from the SJHL championship.

Chad McCartney’s even strength goal at 1:33 of the second period was the winner Friday night as the Hawks beat the visiting Estevan Bruins 3-1 at The Cage to claim a 3-2 series lead in the Canalta Cup.

The Bruins had a great start. Michael McChesney put Estevan out to an early 1-0 lead with his 9th of the playoffs just 2:24 into Game 5. Zach Goberis and Arthur Miller drew the assists.

However the Bruins would score three unanswered goals in the first and second periods – from Josh McDougall, McCartney and Gage Misskey – to eventually claim the win. The third period was scoreless.

Declan Hobbs made 20 saves for the win in the Hawks goal while Bo Didur took the loss, making 27 stops. Nipawin outshot Estevan 30-21.

The Bruins will attempt to even the series Sunday in Game 6 at Affinity Place in Estevan.

RP