Walleye wins a wild one


By
April 29, 2023

Kam River Fighting Walleye has evened its best-of-seven Superior International Jr. Hockey League championship series with the crosstown Thunder Bay North Stars at two games apiece.

Rookie forward Euan Morrison scored 55 seconds into the second overtime stanza to send the Fighting Walleye to a stunning 6-5 win over the North Stars before 2,752 fans at Fort William Gardens. Morrison’s goal ended a roller coaster ride of a wild Game 4.

Kam River had a 4-2 lead with less than eight minutes to play in the third period. But Thunder Bay scored goals at 12:17, 14:26 and 17:37 to take a 5-4 lead. The dramatics continued when Kam River defenseman Jack Cook scored at 18:46 to send the game into overtime. Then, after a scoreless first OT, Morrison potted the game winner early in the second extra frame to tie the series.

Besides Morrison’s heroics, Ryan Doucette scored twice and Eric Vanska made 47 saves for Kam River.

Game 5 in the series is slated for Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Norwest Arena.

PENALTY DISPARITY

The North Stars have been on the favourable end of penalty calls throughout the series. In Friday’s game 4, Kam River served 34 minutes in penalties as opposed to only four for Thunder Bay. In fact, throughout the four games, Kam River has been tagged with 87 minutes in penalties as opposed to only 29 for Thunder Bay.

Euan Morrison (left) is hugged by Kyle Lamoureux (right) and Logan Gallaher after scoring the double-overtime winner. (photo by Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com)


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *