Staff
The Fort Frances Lakers dug themselves a hole from which they couldn’t quite climb out.
Luke Amsbaugh tallied twice as the Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) doubled the Lakers 4-2 in pre-season action Friday night at the Ice For Kids Arena.
The Lakers (0-2) were down 1-0 after the first period, then gave up two goals 1:08 apart late in the second to trail 3-0.
The home squad made a game of it in the third with goals by Isaiah Olshewske (power play) and Kyle Folson.
But Amsbaugh netted in a power-play marker with 26 seconds left to ice the victory.
Waylon Petkau and Quinn Wasylak also scored for Steinbach.
Pistons’ starting goalie Roman Bengart held the Lakers scoreless over the first two periods before being relieved by Bennett Garber to start the third.
Pierce Dushenko played the whole game for the Lakers, making 28 saves.
The two teams will wrap up the home-and-home series this Friday in Steinbach.
The Lakers then will conclude the pre-season Sept. 14 when they host the Minnesota Iron Rangers at “The Duke” (Couchiching Arena)
The Iron Rangers prevailed 3-1 down in Hoyt Lakes last Wednesday (Sept. 2).
The Lakers will open regular-season action Sept. 22 in Ear Falls against the English River Miners.
