Lucas Punkari
The Fort Frances Lakers have completed their 2011 SIJHL exhibition schedule with an undefeated record, as they rounded out their four-game slate with an 8-5 victory over the Wisconsin Wilderness in Spooner, Wisc. last night.
Early on, the game played out in a very similar fashion to what had occurred when both teams faced off with one another at the Ice for Kids Arena here on Sunday afternoon, as the two sides traded goals in the first two frames to leave things tied up at five goals apiece.
However, the Lakers would put the game out of reach in the third period thanks to a pair of goals from Henry Gutierrez and another lamp-lighter by Jaret Leclair with less than two minutes remaining in the contest.
Gutierrez and Byron Katapaytuk both led the way on offence for the Lakers with three point outings, while Sudbury Wolves draft pick Colton Spicer also found the back of the net twice in the victory.
As for the Wilderness, Bram Erickson had a three point night in the loss with teammates Andre Rakas, Andrew Anderson, Hunter Scott and Zach Blaisdell all scoring goals.
Tyler Ampe made 33 saves for the Lakers to pick up the victory, while Tanner Milliron turned aside 29 shots in a losing effort.
The Lakers will now prepare themselves for their SIJHL regular season opener here on Friday night at 7:30 p.m., where they will be playing host to the Thunder Bay North Stars before hosting the Sioux Lookout Flyers on Saturday evening for another 7:30 p.m. contest.
