FORT FRANCES, Ont. – Bowen Alcock’s goal 3:57 into overtime was the difference as the Fort Frances Lakers edged the Minnesota Iron Rangers 5-4 Wednesday evening in Superior International Junior Hockey League action at Couchiching First Nation Arena.
Minnesota took a 1-0 lead after one period of play as Thomas Fazio buried a shorthanded marker past Fort Frances starter Devin Tappenden.
The Lakers stormed back in the second session scoring four times around two by the Iron Rangers to go up 4-3 after 40 minutes. Miles Nolan got the home side on the board with his league-leading eighth power play tally of the season at the 58-second mark. Les than a minute later Sam Schultz made it 2-1 Fort Frances while Bryson Jasper added to the lead at 4:39. Evan Erickson brought Minnesota to within one at 10:53 only to see Carter Chorney connect for Fort Frances a mere 11 seconds later. A Hunter Routheau goal then brought the Iron Rangers closer once again before the period was complete.
In the third Minnesota forced extra time with 2:47 left in regulation, but the Lakers would prevail of Alcock’s game-winner in OT.
The Iron Rangers held the edge in shots by a 31-27 margin with Tappenden picking up the win and Kyle Carignan helping his side salvage a point on the night.
Carter Chorney 1G, 1A, A.J. Kapcheck 1A, Aaron Wesley-Chisel 1A, Matt Vela 1A, Bowen Alcock 1G, Lucas Debendet 1A, Sam Schultz 1G, Gordon Campbell 1A, Wyatt Cota 1A, Miles Nolan 1G, Bryson Jasper 1G, Devin Tappenden 26SV, 30SOG, .867GAA