NOJHL semis underway

Hearst Lumberjacks and Powassan Voodoos both posted victories on Friday as the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League semi-finals began with a pair of East Division matchups.

HEARST 6, TIMMINS 3

A well-balanced attack saw Hearst get goals from six different skaters en route to a 6-3 win over the visiting Timmins Rock in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

The league’s most valuable player, goalie Nicholas Tallarico, made 22 saves for Hearst.

Game 2 goes Sunday at 7 p.m. back in Hearst.

POWASSAN 2, KIRKLAND LAKE 0

Rookie goaltender Joe Vrbetic — a top Ontario Hockey League prospect of the North Bay Battalion — made 35 saves for the visiting Voodoos in their win over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.

The best-of-seven affair resumes Sunday at 7 p.m. back in Kirkland Lake.

WEST DIVISION

The two semi-final series in the NOJHL West begin tonight.

Soo Thunderbirds are home to Blind River Beavers and Soo Eagles are at Rayside Balfour Canadians.