THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Thunder Bay North Stars picked up a goal and three assists from Alex Maticic to help them break open a close game by scoring the game’s last five markers in an eventual 7-3 victory over the Minnesota Iron Rangers Saturday in a Superior International Junior Hockey League match-up at the Fort William Gardens.
Minnesota did strike first in the contest on an Elias Thompson power play marker at 6:44 of the opening frame.
Thunder Bay came back with a pair of tallies later in the session to go up 2-1 after one on efforts from Charlie Corness, during a man advantage, and Troy Sherman at even strength.
The Iron Rangers came out flying to begin the middle stanza as they struck twice in rapid succession early to tie it then go in front 3-2 thanks to offensive efforts from Clayton Brown and Zac Horn.
Affiliate Carter Pellerin drew the home side level moments after the Horn goal however while Keigan Gerrie supplied the eventual game-winner during a North Stars power play midway through the middle period.
Thunder Bay then put the game away in the third with a trio of tallies to secure the victory as Avery Siau, Brendan Gillis and Maticic all found the back of the net in the final 20 minutes.
Joe Newhouse and Gerrie chipped in with two assists each to aid the North Stars’ cause.
Shots on goal in the contest favoured Thunder Bay by a 50-23 count with Dougie Newhouse picking up the win while Tyler Thompson suffered the loss.
Photo credit: Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com