Jr. A playoffs underway
First pucks have dropped on the playoff season in both the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League and Superior International Jr. Hockey League.
All series are best of seven.
NOJHL
Sudbury 4, Espanola 2. Playing in front of 540 fans at Walden Community Centre, the Cubs got two goals from veteran forward Cameron Walker, three assists from 16-year old rookie standout Marshall McCharles and 34 saves from Noah Metivier to upend the visiting Paper Kings. Jake Marois made 38 saves for the Paper Kings.
Soo Thunderbirds 6, Blind River 3. The Thunderbirds got three goals from Jackson Truchan to steal home ice advantage from the Beavers. Caleb Minns potted two goals and added an assist for the home side.
SIJHL
Dryden 7, Fort Frances 4. Playing at home, the Ice Dogs outshot the Lakers by a resounding 60-21 margin. Local lad Ben Hackl sparked Dryden with a goal and two assists.
Thunder Bay 4, Red Lake 1. Connor Lemieux made 37 saves and Magnus Pearson tallied twice as the North Stars skated past the visiting Miners.