Staff
A former Fort Frances Laker helped move his new team one step closer to facing his old gang.
John Cuni fed Tyler Lindstrom for the game-winner at 4:26 of overtime as the Minnesota Iron Rangers nipped the English River Miners 3-2 in Game 1 of their SIJHL first-round series last night in Ear Falls.
The Miners killed off a Minnesota power-play early in the extra session, but wound up falling behind 1-0 in the best-of-five encounter.
Cuni had two assists to kick off the series, with the winner advancing to play the Lakers in the semifinals, tentatively slated to start on April 1 at the Ice for Kids Arena.
Lindstrom also had two points, while Tristan Knott and Jake Ellingson (power-play) had the other markers for Minnesota, who won the season series between the two squads 10-4.
Anthony Pupplo made 27 stops for the Rangers to secure the victory.
Ryker Moreau and Brandon Schaber replied for the Miners, while Reid Kilburn had 22 saves in defeat.
Minnesota can close out the series at home this weekend, with Game 2 tomorrow night and Game 3 on Saturday both set for Hoyt Lakes, Minn.
If necessary, Game 4 will be on Monday in Cochenour, with Game 5 back in Hoyt Lakes next Wednesday (March 30).
