SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
SIJHL MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016
Photo credit: Gary Moskalyk, The Chronicle-Journal
Lakers edge North Stars late in SIJHL preseason opener
THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Matt Tustin’s second goal of the game with 18 seconds remaining in regulation was the game-winner as the Fort Frances Lakers edged the Thunder Bay North Stars 3-2 Saturday evening in the Superior International Junior Hockey League’s preseason opener at Port Arthur Arena.
Tustin also opened the night’s scoring early in the contest beating North Stars starting netminder Dan Demaria before the contest was two minutes old.
Thunder Bay drew level at 6:58 of the frame with Brett Wolframe collecting his first in exhibition action.
Fort Frances went back in front however before the session was complete courtesy of a Dylan Kooner effort at 14:55.
The North Stars tied it with just over five minutes to go in the second as Jett Leishman finished off the work of teammates Wolframe and Ryan Walsh.
It appeared the fans in attendance were about to get their first look at the new 3-on-3 overtime format, but Tustin put an end to that with the dramatic decider late.
Ryan Wagner turned in a solid 38-save performance to earn the win in net for the Lakers.
Demaria meanwhile allowed the three against on 20 shots in a losing cause for Thunder Bay.
SIJHL preseason play resumes Sunday as the Dryden GM Ice Dogs entertain the English River Miners in a 7:30 p.m. start at Memorial Arena.
The SIJHL’s 16th season begins Friday, Sept. 23 with the start of its regular season.