Joey Payeur
The Fort Frances Thunderhawks put a different spin on the old philosophical question about if a tree falls in the forest and there’s nobody around, does it makes a sound?
They decided to chop down the Dakota College at Bottineau Lumberjacks instead, who landed with a pair of distinctive thuds during a two-game series between the two senior men’s hockey teams over the weekend at the ’52 Canadians Arena.
Fort Frances captured a thrilling 6-5 overtime win Saturday, then lessened the dramatics significantly with a 7-2 victory yesterday afternoon to sweep the weekend set.
A.J. Tucker was the man of the hour in the opener, netting the game-tying goal with 34 seconds left in regulation and then shocking the Lumberjacks with the game-winner just five seconds into the extra session to complete his hat trick.
Ross Johnson, Derek Hansberry, and Roger Morrison also scored for the T’hawks while Sean Councillor and Kevin Webb each collected two assists.
Jason Flatt earned the win in goal.
Jake Plutowski had a hat trick of his own for the Lumberjacks, who have won the last four National Junior College Athletic Association men’s hockey championships, while Donnie Iverson and Wade Haight added singles.
Troy Chandler shouldered the loss.
In yesterday’s game, Troy Iujow lit the lamp twice for the home side while Ian Lockman, Josh Meyers, Johnson, Germaine Atatise, and Webb all notched singles.
Chris Medicine was solid in goal to collect the win.
Seth Cory and Curtis Martin replied for Dakota College, with Chandler again being tagged with the loss.
The T’hawks tentatively are scheduled to return to action next Tuesday (Feb. 1) against the Kenora Thistles at the Ice For Kids Arena.
