FORT FRANCES, Ont. – Jack Michels notched his first Superior International Junior Hockey League hat trick, while Bryce Johnson scored once and dished out four assists as the Thief River Falls Norskies swamped the Fort Frances Lakers 8-3 Saturday at Ice for Kids Arena.
A five-goal first period barrage saw the Norskies take a 3-2 lead into the opening intermission.
After Nick Hahkala gave the Lakers the lead, Thief River Falls replied with three tallies compliments of Connor Kalthoff, on the power play, as well as Bryce Johnson and Tyler Johnson at even strength.
The home side did draw closer late in the frame thanks to Tyler Malpass’ first of the season.
It was more of an offensive display in the second stanza where the visitors racked up five goals to break it open.
Michels added all three of his markers in the session while teammates Kalthoff and Mason McIntosh also contributed to the onslaught.
Praveen Dhaliwal had the lone Fort Frances tally in the period.
Neither side would score in the third as the Norskies cruised to the road victory.
Newcomer Joshua Seeley made 42 saves to record the win in his SIJHL debut for Thief River Falls.
Dylan Kosik and Alex Bugeja both saw time in net for the Lakers in the loss seeing 38 attempts in all fired their way.
Photo credit: Clint Bruyere