Showcase shocker
What goes around really does come around. Less than two weeks ago — February 19 and 20 — the visiting Wisconsin Lumberjacks were soundly pounded by the Red Lake Miners by distressing scores of 13-1 and 17-4. But on the opening day of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League’s showcase tournament, the hosts from Wisconsin absolutely stunned Red Lake with a 5-1 victory.
In what can be termed revenge at its sweetest, fifth place Wisconsin got 55 saves from Kyler Lowden and two goals from Brock Weimer — his 19th and 20th of the season — in handing second seed Red Lake just its fifth loss of the 2021-2022 season.
The shocking turnaround of a triumph lifted Wisconsin’s record to 12-23-2 on the season while Red Lake dropped to 23-5-2 with the stunning setback.
All six SIJHL teams saw action on the opening day of the tournament and after a break in the play today, they will see ice again on Thursday to wrap up the showcase. All games count in the regular season standings.
KAM RIVER 6, THUNDER BAY 4
The league leading Fighting Walleye spotted the North Stars a 4-1 lead before surging back with five unanswered goals to boost its season record to 29-4-2 and an .857 winning percentage.
With the loss, fourth-place Thunder Bay now has a record of 16-14-3.
Carson Gorst scored twice, Jeremy Dunmore had a goal and two assists and third string goalie Tyler Blazino made 40 saves for Kam River.
DRYDEN 5, FORT FRANCES 2
Lee Lang lit the lamp twice and defenseman Jordan Gagnon had three assists to spark the third place Ice Dogs to the win and boost their record to 21-10-3 on the season.
Gagnon now has two goals, seven assists, nine points in eight games since being acquired by Dryden at the January 10 trade deadline.
With the loss, the last place Lakers now have a record of 5-27-0.
UP NEXT
In Thursday games, Kam River and Red Lake face off at 11:00 a.m. followed by Dryden and Thunder Bay at 2:30 p.m. and host Wisconsin taking on Fort Frances at 6:05 p.m.
All games are Central Standard Time and will be carried live on Hockey TV.