HOYT LAKES, Minn. – The surging Thunder Bay North Stars became the first Superior International Junior Hockey League club to 20 victories this season as they won their 10th straight contest, a ??-?? decision over the Minnesota Iron Rangers Wednesday at Hoyt Lakes Arena.
Ryan Mignault and Jacob Brown, who make making his North Stars debut, staked the visitors to an early 2-0 lead before Brandon Premo notched his first SIJHL marker for the Iron Rangers to put them on the board at 8:22.
Thunder Bay countered though with tallies from Evan Nicholas and a shorthanded effort by Brown to make it 4-1 after 20 minutes.
Action in the middle stanza saw Minnesota cut into the deficit early as Mihali See and Zach Finke combined to set-up Joshua Baker for his fifth of the campaign at 2:28.
The North Stars countered again with two more to complete the frame on goals by Josh Bryant and Brwon who finished off a hat trick.
In the third, Thunder Bay put the result away by notching four more markers off the sticks of Alex Erwin, newcomer Jayden Mrakic while shorthanded, Joel Willan and a man advantage effort from Bryant.
North Stars netminder Dougie Newhouse had 20 stops to record the win while Nick Cornerliusen faced 51 shots in defeat for the Iron Rangers.
Photo credit: Cherie Grams