All great things end at some point – tonight the Thunder Bay North Stars five-game win streak was snapped, although it came it overtime. Dryden veteran Nic Noseworthy scored the game winner with just :22 remaining in the three-on-three session to earn the extra point in the standings.
For two periods the Ice Dogs seemed poised to even the season series at one game each, scoring twice in the first and again before second intermission. Shots after 40 minutes of play were 31-18 Dryden.
Momentum took a dramatic turn in the third with the North Stars not willing to concede the home game without some fight. Trailing 3-1, Brad Thrower scored at 5:07 to get Thunder Bay within one.
A late power play gave the North Stars an advantage and the team responded with a goal scored by Nicholas Nigro, his ninth of the season, to tie the game at the 18:23 mark.
Overtime saw both team with chances, as the three-on-three format is designed, but the best opportunity came on a whistle. Midway into the OT Nigro was taken down as he skated to the net with a penalty shot awarded. Ice Dogs Taylor Unruh proved worthy though and made the save.
After a few different chances in the final minute Noseworthy finally found the back of the net to end the matchup of the SIJHL top two.
Thunder Bay (5-0-1-0) remain atop the league with Dryden (4-1-0-0) now trailing by just three points. Although early into the season, the two teams seem on a path to meet again in the post season.