HOYT LAKES, Minn. – Jaedin Ness had a pair of goals, including the game-winner, and set-up another tally while Ethan Knutsen dished out four assists as the Fort Frances Lakers went on to defeat the Minnesota Iron Rangers 6-2 Saturday in a Superior International Junior Hockey League encounter at Hoyt Lakes Arena.
Following a scoreless first frame, Fort Frances exploded for four second period strikes to take control of the contest.
Brett Hahkala put the Lakers in front 1:18 into the middle session before Ness clicked once on the power play and another time at even strength to give the visitors a three-goal cushion.
Bryce Kopp’s initial league marker put the Iron Rangers on the board at 18:06, however Dane Batemann connected just prior to the horn to end the period sounded as he converted during a late man advantage opportunity.
After Colton Bodnar upped the Fort Frances cushion with a shorthanded effort in the third, Minnesota’s Lukas Lundgren, via the power play, and Kirk Coppock of the Lakers exchanged late goals to round out the scoring.
Fort Frances starter Tyler Szturm picked up the win in his SIJHL debut making 16 saves on 17 shots in just over 46 minutes of work while Matt Booth handled five of six in third period relief.
Photo credit: Cherie Grams