FORT FRANCES, Ont. – A Wyatt Cota power play goal 1:28 into overtime was the decider as the Fort Frances Lakers edged the visiting English River Miners 2-1 Saturday in Superior International Junior Hockey League play at Ice for Kids Arena.
The Miners took a 1-0 lead after one period of play after Alex Maticic connected during a man advantage at 18:49.
Fort Frances drew level midway through the second stanza as Lucas Debenedet beat Miners’ starter Greg Harney for his fourth marker in 10 games since re-joining the club last month.
After a scoreless third extra time was required to decide a winner.
In OT the Lakers capitalized on a power play chance early, and with a four skaters to three advantage Cota wired home the winner to give Fort Frances the extra point on the night.
Pierce Dushenko made 25 saves to record his first SIJHL victory while Harney made 41 saves in a vaillant effort for English River.
Lakers play resumes this weekend as the league leaders visit the Dryden GM Ice Dogs on Friday night and then face off against the second place Thunder Bay North Stars at the Fort William Gardens on Saturday.