SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
SIJHL COMMUNICATIONS
MEDIA RELEASE
Release date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wilderness take 2-1 series lead on Lakers
CLOQUET, Minn. – A Dan Divis power play marker 13:45 into the second period proved to be the game-winner as the Minnesota Wilderness defeated the Fort Frances Lakers 4-1 Wednesday evening in game 3 of the Superior International Junior Hockey League’s Bill Salonen Cup final at Northwoods Credit Union Arena.
With the victory the Wilderness now lead the best-of-seven final 2-1 with game 4 set for Friday at Ice For Kids Arena in Fort Frances at 7:30 p.m.
After successfully killing off a Wilderness man advantage opportunity, Fort Frances opened the scoring as Tyler Broderson redirected a high blast from the right point by Jon Bachman that eluded Gordy Defiel at 12:17 of the first stanza.
In the middle frame the Wilderness used a quick transition to notch the equalizer as Nick Szopinski powered his way down the left wing and backhanded a pass to a streaking Conrad Sampair in front who went high on Talor Joseph at 8:06.
Five and a half minutes later Minnesota then took their first lead of the night, during the late stages of a power play, as defenceman Divis wristed a shot past Joseph from the middle of the ice from his point position.
Jake Larson, the SIJHL’s leading goal scorer during the course of the season, added to his totals with another in the playoffs and he sped down the ice on a partial break and neatly tucked in the puck for some insurance at 18:47.
Jordan Shockley then iced it with an empty net effort with a second to go to conclude the night’s scoring.
Shots on goal favoured the Wilderness by a 51-23 margin.
The SIJHL champion will then advance to the Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A championship in North Bay April 30 through May 4.
Bill Salonen Cup final schedule
Game 1: Wilderness 5 Lakers 1
Game 2: Lakers 2 Wilderness 1 (OT)
Game 3: Wilderness 4 Lakers 1
Game 4: Friday, April 19 @ Fort Frances 7:30 p.m. (Ice for Kids Arena)
Game 5: Saturday, April 20 @ Minnesota 7:30 p.m. (Northwoods Credit Union Arena)
Game 6*: Monday, April 22 @ Fort Frances 7:30 p.m. (Ice for Kids Arena)
Game 7*: Wednesday, April 24 @ Minnesota 7:30 p.m. (Northwoods Credit Union Arena)
*-if necessary