Fort Frances, Ont. – Wyatt Cota scored once and added two assists, including the game winning helper, as the league leading Fort Frances Lakers topped the visiting Minnesota Iron Rangers 5-4 OT, in Superior International Junior Hockey League action at Ice for Kids Arena on Saturday.
Fort Frances opened the scoring at 8:09 of the first period with Matt Vela’s power play tally from Dylan Kooner and Cota.
Minnesota tied it at 15:50 of the first with an even strength goal from Eric Madison. The Iron Rangers then took the lead in the second period on a power play goal scored by Thomas Fazio.
Fort Frances tied it 0:40 in to the third only to give the lead back on a short-handed goal 2:26 later.
The Lakers took the lead after two quick goals by Cota and Bryson Jasper only to surrender the tying goal 0:27 seconds later.
Minnesota’s hopes for a victory were quickly dashed as Colton Spicer notched the overtime winner just 0:19 seconds in to the extra frame with Cota earning the assist.
Shots on goal favoured Fort Frances 36-31 with Ryan Ferguson picking up the win and Kyle Karignan the loss; his second in as many nights.
Tonight’s contest featured the return of Lucas Debenedet (2013/14 SIJHL scoring leader) from the USHL’s Minot Minotauros, who garnered 2 assists while re-uniting with last year’s line mate, Mason Meyer.
Action resumes Tuesday night at the Ice for Kids Arena as the Lakers host the surging Dryden GM Icedogs. Game time is at 7:30 pm.