HOYT LAKES, Minn. – A Bryce Kopp goal just over five minutes into the third period proved to be the game-winner as the Minnesota Iron Rangers went on to defeat the Red Lake Miners 3-2 Thursday night in a Superior International Junior Hockey League match-up at Hoyt Lakes Arena.
A power play chance helped Minnesota pick up the lone marker in the first period as Matt Turnbull notched his first SIJHL tally at 8:42.
Red Lake drew level with a man advantage effort of their own midway through the second stanza to knot the affair at 1-1 when Michael Di Lullo picked up his fourth of the campaign.
The Iron Rangers regained the lead 2:42 into the third when Zach Kilen also scored for the first time in league play.
Kopp then upped the home side’s cushion as he provided the eventual difference maker with assists going to Cameron Kearse-Wolert and Erik Engdahl, with the latter picking up his second helper of the evening as he ran a point streak to three straight outings.
Ryan Paterson got one back for the Miners with 69 seconds remaining, however Minnesota tightened up from there to secure the victory.
Iron Rangers’ goaltender Nick Cornelisuen was more than impressive in net as he finished with 53 saves to pick up a well-earned win.
Vince Benedetto suffered the loss for the Miners who saw a five-game winning streak come to an end in defeat.