HOYT LAKES, Minn. – The Fort Frances Lakers were firing on all cylinders Friday as they rolled over the Minnesota Iron Rangers 9-4 in a Superior International Junior Hockey League match-up at Hoyt Lakes.
Noah Loveday had a big night for the Lakers notching his first-ever SIJHL hat trick while teammates Carter Chorney and Jaden Gustafson doled out four and three assists respectively.
Fort Frances stormed out to a quick 4-0 lead before the first period was 11 minutes old on markers from Loveday, Hunter Buzzi, Ian Jarvis and Jackie Bernie, which spelled an early end to Minnesota’s starting goaltender, Jackson Nelson’s night in favour of Tyler Thompson the rest of the way.
Mark Sanchez did get one back for the Iron Rangers during a power play chance before the frame was complete.
Loveday and Minnesota’s Max Sturko, on a man advantage, traded goals in the middle session to make it 5-2 Lakers after two.
After Zach Hayes brought the home side closer 33 seconds into the third, Jaedin Ness of Fort Frances and Matt Butler, with his first, traded efforts a couple minutes later.
But it was all Lakers from there as they tacked on three more to secure the victory off the sticks of Loveday, Nick Lucas and Buzzi.
Seven different Fort Frances skaters had multiple point nights for Fort Frances.
Rob Ivy faced 28 shots and picked up the win for the Lakers.
Nelson allowed four on 10 shots while Thompson suffered the loss in relief as he saw 19 attempts fired his way.