The Flin Flon Bombers took down the SJHL's best team on the road Tuesday night, beating Nipawin 4-1.
Things started inauspiciously for the Bombers at the Cage in Nipawin, as defender Tyler Higgins earned a game misconduct for a check from behind late in the first period. With rookie Bomber Reid Robertson in the box serving the penalty, Nipawin's Colten Gerlib opened the scoring, giving the Hawks an early 1-0 lead.
However, the Bombers took over the second period, with Caleb Franklin, Vincent Nardone and Chrystopher Collin all scoring goals in the second frame to push Flin Flon ahead. Matt Flodell made it four unanswered goals for the Bombers in the third period, sealing the win.
Nipawin's star starter Declan Hobbs took the loss, making 25 saves. Meanwhile, the Bombers rode the hot hand in their net, with reigning SJHL Goalie of the Week Jacob Delorme making 27 saves in the win.
The Hawks' perch on top of the SJHL is still intact after Tuesday's game - the team has 56 points, ahead of both second-place Kindersley and Sherwood Division rivals Melfort. Flin Flon sits third in the Sherwood Division, four points back of Melfort and 10 behind Nipawin.
The Bombers won without newly acquired forward Cade Kowalski in the lineup. Flin Flon finalized a trade for the now ex-Weyburn Red Wings captain on Tuesday, sending forward Dawson McKenzie and future considerations the other way.
There won't be much rest for the Bombers in the coming days. The Bombers will have a home-and-home series against Melfort on Friday and Saturday night. That series may radically shake up the Sherwood Division standings. The Mustangs have lost four of their past seven games and play Melville Wednesday. A loss against the Millionaires and two Bomber wins against Melfort would draw the two teams even for second place in the Sherwood Division standings.
