Thomas Lenchyshyn and Caleb Paisley will always be from Steinbach but for these two hockey players, they have recently taken to calling Nipawin, Saskatchewan home.

The 20-year-old Lynchyshyn and the 18-year-old Paisley are part of the 1st place Nipawin Hawks hockey team of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. 

With it being his final year of junior hockey, Lenchyshyn couldn't think of a better place to be playing. "It's a really nice community to play hockey in. Everyone is super passionate about our team. It's a smaller community so they kind of take you in and treat you like one of their own. Having a winning record helps with that as well."

Paisley's junior career was far from certain but he knew all he needed was a chance. "I wasn't 100% on where I wanted to play when Nipawin gave me the chance to play. Knowing Thomas, growing up together, it made it easy to want to go there. So far it's been great. We have a great team and we're ready for the second half."

For Lenchyshyn who has travelled around in his hockey career, to be in Nipawin for the past year and a half, having stability has helped him thrive. "It's nice that I've found kind of a home per say. It's easier to get into the groove when you know who you're playing with and where you're playing. It's nice."

Leaving the province for the first time can be intimidating for players but Paisley is taking it all in stride. "It's been fun playing away from home in a different atmosphere. It's a different game and it's been fun to see what the SJ has to offer. My parents have been down a few times, that's been good too."

Getting to wear a letter any year is special for a player but for Lenchyshyn, getting to wear one in his 20-year-old year, it means just a little bit more. "It's a huge honour to be chosen to be one of the captains. It's a matter of showing up to the rink and doing the right things. Hopefully, it pays off. You grow up a little bit but I want to make sure I stick to who I am for the most part."

Paisley knew he needed the right situation and the ability to play games to help develop, something he's found with the Hawks. "The coaches are really good with getting the rookies in with good line mixes. We have a very veteran lineup up front and we keep developing every game."

The Nipawin Hawks are 26-5-2-2 good for 56 points on the season. "We've had a couple bumps but that brings us get closer together," said Paisley who recently scored his first junior hockey league goal. "A little later then I had hoped. One of the guys drove the net and I was there and got it. I still have the puck, it's in my stall. Maybe I'll give it to my brother someday."

The veteran Lenchyshyn knows the excitement Paisley felt and recalled his first goal. "It was our 10th goal of the game and I shot it off one of their defensemen. I tried hard not to celebrate too much but.. it was a pretty good feeling."

Thomas and Caleb both have been keeping a watchful eye on the Steinbach Pistons. Thomas is the brother of Pistons defender Jack Lenchyshyn while Paisley roomed with Jack last season with RHA.

Both think it would be a thrill to face off against the Pistons in the Anavet Cup.

"That would be an awesome experience. Definitely show the Steinbach players how loud "the cage" can get. I know how loud the TG can get, but I gotta go with Nipawin being louder." said Lenchyshyn. 

They both agree that it be harder for the parents then it would be for them. "It would be sweet to have my buddies come to Nipawin," Paisley said with a laugh. "I hope my dad would wear a Hawks jersey." 

Lenchyshyn also laughed and said "I don't know who my parents would be pulling for. Maybe whoever is playing better." 

With the back half of the season set to get underway, many from Steinbach will be keeping a watchful eye on the Nipawin Hawks the rest of the year.