Staff
Seventy-five shots. One goal.
Fortunately for the Fort Frances Lakers, they were the team that bulged the twine last night to earn a 1-0 win over the host K&A Wolverines and even their best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 1-1.
The Wolverines had taken Wednesday’s opener 5-3.
The game remained scoreless until 5:27 of the third when Mike Jourdain tallied for the second time in as many games.
He had recorded just eight goals in 43 games during the regular season.
Jordan Carne and Byron Katapaytuk assisted on the goal, with both players picking their third point of the series.
Lakers’ goalie Jameson Shortreed blocked all 35 shots he faced to record his first career SIJHL playoff win and shutout.
Shortreed had posted three shutouts during the regular season, including one over the Wolverines.
His counterpart, Spencer Malone, made 39 saves.
The Lakers allowed only one K&A power play, which they killed off, while not scoring on any of their three attempts with the man advantage.
All three of the Lakers’ goals on Wednesday night came on the power play.
After taking today off, the series will resume at the Ice For Kids Arena here tomorrow (March 6) at 7:30 p.m., with Game 4 going Sunday at 7:45 p.m.
In related news, the double round-robin tournament between the other three teams in the SIJHL is back in action tonight as Dryden visits Fort William.
Dryden downed Sioux Lookout 3-1 on Wednesday.
The top-ranked team will select their second-round opponent, with the two remaining teams facing each other.
