Staff
The Fort Frances Lakers used the friendly confines of the Ice For Kids Arena to their advantage over the weekend, taking a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven SIJHL semi-final series against the Dryden Ice Dogs with wins of 7-2 and 4-2 on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Lakers roared to life after giving up a goal in the first period of Friday’s opener, scoring six goals during the second and third periods to seal the deal.
SIJHL player-of-the-year Byron Katapaytuk led the way with a goal and three assists while linemates Jordan Christianson and Ryan Wildman both finished with three points.
Christianson netted two goals and added an assist, with Wildman helping to set up three goals.
Merritt Rysavy, Adam Wensley, Davis Smith, and Brett McMahon also scored for the Lakers.
Fort Frances jumped out to a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes Saturday night, then withstood a third period push by the Ice Dogs to preserve the win.
Katapaytuk and Jaret Leclair paced the Lakers offensively with a goal and assist each.
Jon Carlson and Henry Gutierrez also tallied.
The series now switches to Dryden, where Games 3 and 4 will be held tomorrow and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
The other SIJHL semi-final sees the defending league champion Wisconsin Wilderness sporting a 2-0 lead over the Thunder Bay North Stars.
