Staff
The Fort Frances Lakers rallied for a 2-1 overtime win here last night to even their best-of-seven SIJHL final with the Minnesota Wilderness at a game apiece heading into Game 3 on Wednesday night in Cloquet.
Defenceman Jon Carlson was the hero last night with a power-play shot that eluded Gordy Defiel to give the hosts the dramatic victory.
John Dora had tied the score with a power-play marker of his own with less than three-and-a-half minutes left in regulation time.
Wilderness blueliner Nick McCormack netted the lone goal for the visitors in the first period.
Both goaltender were stellar last night, with Talor Joseph making 32 saves to earn the win.
Defiel, meanwhile, stopped 28 shots in a losing effort.
The opening game of the series was a much different affair as the winners of the last two Bill Salonen Cups cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Lakers on Friday night in Cloquet.
After a scoreless first period, the Wilderness offence came to life in the second as they struck for four goals and forced Joseph from the Lakers’ net in favour of Tanner Hamilton.
Nick Szopinski led the way with two goals and an assist while teammate Zach Thielen dished out three helpers.
Nick Sova, Michael MacKinnon, and Eric Carlson also scored for the Wilderness while Defiel turned aside 25 shots.
Tyler Brodersen had the lone goal for the Lakers, with Joseph and Hamilton combing to make 43 saves.
Following Game 3 on Wednesday in Cloquet, the teams will return to the Ice For Kids Arena here for Game 4 on Friday night.
The Wilderness then will host Game 5 on Saturday night.
Game 6, if necessary, would be held here Monday, April 22.
A seventh-and-deciding game, if required, is slated for Wednesday, April 24 in Cloquet.
All games get underway at 7:30 p.m.
The winner will represent the SIJHL at the Dudley Hewitt Cup, which runs April 30-May 4 in North Bay.
