NIPAWIN, SK — William Léonard scored four times, including a three-goal second period, as the Yorkton Terriers rallied for a thrilling 7–5 come-from-behind victory over the Nipawin Hawks on the road.
The opening period was one to forget for the Terriers, as the Hawks jumped out to an early lead. Nipawin struck three times on the power play, going a perfect 3-for-3 with goals from Braeden Jockims, Jack Janzen, and Mason Lowther. Finley Radloff added an even-strength marker to cap the scoring in the frame.
Léonard continued his strong season for the Orange and Black, burying his 21st goal of the campaign to account for Yorkton’s lone tally of the first period. Jye Zawatsky and Gabriel Courchesne picked up the assists.
Montoya got the start in goal for Yorkton, stopping 12 of the 16 shots he faced in the opening twenty minutes. Callum Creig took over in relief to begin the second period.
The middle frame was the Léonard show, who erupted for three goals—his 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of the season—to completely swing the momentum in Yorkton’s favour. The outburst marked the second four-goal performance of the season for the Drummondville, Quebec product, who previously accomplished the feat in Warman during a 7–2 victory in late October.
Aidan Vallance and Austin Horbachewsky also found the back of the net as the Terriers erased a 4–1 deficit and surged ahead 6–4, stunning the Hawks and their home crowd after forty minutes. Creig was flawless in relief, turning aside all 15 shots he faced in the second period.
Nipawin pulled back within one early in the third period as Eric Hoiness slipped a shot past Creig.
Yorkton then faced adversity when Thomas Ries was assessed a controversial five-minute major, giving the Hawks an extended power play. The Terriers’ penalty kill rose to the challenge, killing off the entire major without surrendering a goal.
The Terriers added some late insurance when Ryder McDonald buried his fourth goal of the season off the rush, sealing a 7–5 victory and a strong start to their three-game road trip.
With the win, Yorkton improves to 20-11-2 on the season and has now won seven of its last eight games. The Terriers continue their road swing Saturday night in Flin Flon.
