Fort Frances, ON –
The Fort Frances Lakers hosted a special Treaty Three Game on Friday night, celebrating the region’s Indigenous culture and community. The Lakers took to the ice wearing beautifully designed jerseys donated by the 7 Generation Educational Institute. The special jerseys were also featured in a silent auction, with proceeds being donated back to the Fort Frances Lakers organization. On the ice, the Lakers came out strong against the Kam River Fighting Walleye, opening the scoring late in the first period when Anthony Yerxa converted on the power play at 17:48, with Zak Green picking up the assist. Fort Frances carried a 1–0 lead into the first intermission while outshooting Kam River 13–9.
Yerxa continued his strong night early in the second period, finding the back of the net just 1:43 into the frame to give the Lakers a 2–0 advantage. Green once again picked up the assist. Kam River responded at 6:30 when Benny Paddington scored to cut the deficit to 2–1. The Lakers continued to battle and generate opportunities, holding the Walleye to just 21 shots through two periods while maintaining their one-goal lead heading into the final frame.
The third period proved to be the turning point, as Kam River stormed back with four unanswered goals to complete the comeback. Thomas Beaton tied the game at 3:44 before Carter Poddubny put the Walleye ahead just 1:25 later. Eric Gawley added a power-play goal at 8:12, and Eron Mitchell capped off the scoring with an empty-net marker at 17:47. Despite the 5–2 final, the Lakers outshot Kam River 40–30 and showed plenty of offensive pressure throughout the night. Yerxa finished with two goals, while Green recorded two assists.
