By Tanner Schafer
Fort Frances, ON – The Dryden GM Ice Dogs used a huge 1st period to claim a 3-0 lead in their 1st round playoff series against the Fort Frances Lakers.
Dryden dominated throughout the whole 1st frame outshooting Fort Frances 20-3 and scoring 4 goals. Jordan Pfoh opened the scoring just under 6 minutes into the game with an even strength goal assisted by Elijah Pool and Ryland Maier. Next up for the Ice Dogs was back to back goals from Brady Frattinger both assisted by Landen Stromme. Finally with just under 2 minutes remaining Ryland Maier would extend the lead to 4 with an assist going to McLaren Paulsen. Early in the 2nd period Dryden would find success on the power play as Frattinger secured his hat trick. Jack Cullen and Ben Hackl would both pick up assists for their first points of the night. The 2nd period was much more of a back and forth with Dryden holding a closer shot edge at 19-16. The Lakers for all their efforts wouldn’t find the back of the net until there was just 18 seconds remaining. Ryker Watt scored his first of the series assisted by Clark Scaddan to make it 5-1 at the 2nd break.
With just over 6 minutes remaining in the game Jordan Pfoh would bookend the scoresheet by scoring Dryden’s last goal of the night. It was a power play tally assisted by Landen Stromme who picked up his playmaker. A few minutes later the Lakers would make the final score line look a bit closer as Ryker Watt scored for the 2nd time this one on the power play to bring the final score to 6-2 in favor of Dryden.
Eric Clark made 27 saves and picked up the win. Brendan Stroble stopped 51 of 57 in a losing effort. The 3 stars of the game in order were Frattinger, Watt, and Stroble. Game 4 is Tuesday night with a potential 2nd round berth on the table for Dryden GM.