Defensive break downs were the story this past weekend as the Flin Flon Bombers and Nipawin Hawks split their home and home series.

 

Flin Flon took Friday's game at home 7 to 5 on the strength of two goals a piece from Billy Klymchuk and Mason Martin and got 23 saves from Cal Schell who won his SJHL debut.

 

The Bombers were able to over come a two goal deficit for their 27th win of the season.

 

The two teams travelled to the Cage for the re-match on Saturday.

 

This time it was the Hawks who over came a two goal deficit for the 6 to 4 win, courtesy of a three goal third period.

 

Hawk captain Jake Tremblay did most of the damage as he set up the tieing goal just 29 seconds into the final period before scoring the eventual winner and insurance goal for Nipawin's first win against the Bombers this season.

 

The night started well for the Bombers who gave up the first goal to Carson Erhardt, but responded with the next three including two from Cole Rafuse.

 

Rafuse potted his 30th and 31st of the season and continues to be one of Flin Flon's most solid performers each and every game.

 

The other Bomber goals came from Tristan Lemyre and Matt Flodell.

 

Flin Flon looked to be on track with a 4 to 3 lead going into the third period, but they coughed up the puck way too many times and it was a give away that did lead to Nipawin's winning goal.

 

If it wasn't for veteran puck stopper Jacob Delorme the score would have been worse. Delorme made several big saves including a break away on Caden Benson.

 

He also slid post to post to rob Makarenko mid way through the third on what looked like it would be a sure goal. He wound up with 30 saves on 36 shots.

 

Special teams were also a factor with the Bomber lethal power play going 0 for 6 including two 5 on 3 chances.

 

To add insult to injury, the Hawks managed to score two short handed goals.

 

Flin Flon will take 5 out of the 6 meetings as these two teams are done playing each other at least for the regular season.

 

After the weekend,  the Bomber record is 27-10-5 and remain second over all, 3 points up on Yorkton with 5 games in hand.

 

The Maroon and White also continue to lead the Sherwood Division with a 7 point spread on Melfort and an 8 point lead on Laronge and Nipawin.

 

It will be a busy week for the Bombers who will play three home games with Estevan here on Wednesday, Weyburn Friday and Laronge on Saturday.

 

102.9 CFAR and flinflononline.com will broadcast the Saturday game against Laronge.