Photo credit: Ron Heruth
HOYT LAKES, Minn. – A Clayton Brown power play goal with nearly two and a half minutes remaining in regulation helped the Minnesota Iron Rangers pull out a 3-2 come from behind victory over the Fort Frances Lakers Wednesday night in Superior International Junior Hockey League preseason play at Hoyt Lakes Arena.
After a scoreless first frame, the visiting Lakers grabbed a 2-0 lead before the middle stanza was five minutes old on markers from Jordan Sgro and Ian Tookenay.
Minnesota got one back via the man advantage at 7:32 of the session as Zach Hayes put the Iron Rangers on the board.
Hayes then tied it with an even strength effort midway through the third to knot the affair at 2-2.
Up a skater late in regulation it was Brown who notched the game-winner for Minnesota and finish off their rally.
Harrison Bjorko doled out two assists for the Iron Rangers in the triumph.
Jackson Nelson made 21 saves and picked up an assist in net for Minnesota to record the win.
Michael Binczyk suffered the loss for Fort Frances stopping 23 of 26 along the way.
Minnesota will next take on the Thief River Falls Norskies Friday and Saturday in a pair of SIJHL neutral site affairs in Crookston, Minn. Game time both nights at the Sports Center will be 7 p.m.
Fort Frances meanwhile kicks off a home-and-home with the English River Miners Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Ice for Kids Arena. They’ll also meet Saturday at Cochenour Arena with the same start time.