The Nipawin Hawks scored five goals on special teams, including four on the power play, leading to a 5-3 win over the Humboldt Broncos on Saturday.

"Ultimately, special teams was our downfall tonight," said Head Coach Darcy Haugan, noting that all four penalties that led to power play goals could have been avoided.

"We talked about it before, and that's the frustrating part. Just undisciplined, whether it is overzealous, or just not managing our emotions, it was all preventable, for sure."

The Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead on back to back power play goals from Brandan Arnold and Tyler Adams.

They would make it 3-0 late in the first period after Brett Harasymuk scored shorthanded.

Broncos starter Parker Tobin was pulled after the third goal, with Jacob Wassermann finishing the game in relief, making 18 saves.

A team that has shown resilience throughout the season, the Broncos proved once again that they weren't going to simply disappear despite the deficit.

Humboldt would score three straight goals to tie the game 3-3 with 4:48 remaining in the second period. Jaxon Joseph, Conner Lukan, and Bryce Fiske had the goals for the green and gold, adding two more goals on the power play, bringing their playoff total to 15.

Haugan says that his team's will to stay in the game was good to see.

"We showed a lot of courage to battle back. We've had two tough games here against them and now we have to get ready to hold serve on our ice."

Less than two minutes after Fiske tied the game, Logan Casavant quickly got the lead back for Nipawin, which this time they didn't let go. Grant Baetsen added a fifth goal late in the third period.

Games 3 and 4 will go Tuesday and Wednesday at the Elgar Petersen Arena. The Broncos office will be open from 9am to 5pm on Monday for ticket sales, and 9am to 2pm on Tuesday.

Tickets can also be bought in advance at Johnny's Bistro and the Co-op C-Store.

Bruins Dominate Stars for 2-0 Lead

Tanner Manz had a hat trick, and Arthur Miller contributed a pair of goals, as the Estevan Bruins blasted the Battlefords North Stars 7-2 in the other SJHL semifinal series.

The Bruins, who won 5-3 on Friday, now hold a 2-0 lead over the Stars heading home for Games 3 and 4.