By James Brohm
Sioux Lookout, ON – The Sioux Lookout Bombers hosted a special Movember game to raise awareness for mental health issues on a midweek matchup. Community partners were invited to set up in the lobby of the Hangar to promote their mental health programs. The Bombers were also sporting special black and bright green jerseys for the game. Five of the players’ game-worn jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for mental health programs. Both teams came into the game with 22 points on the season and the winner of this match would take sole possession of third place in the SIJHL.
The North Stars jumped out early with a goal from Colby Feist just 20 seconds into the first period. Connor Burke responded for the Bombers just over a minute later to tie the game. Owen Riffle would put the Bombers up at 5:26 of the first and the period would end with the Bombers up 2-1.
Sioux Lookout native, Dylan Bertrand would tie the game for the North Stars at 7:46 of the second frame. Nolan Palmer put a screened point shot on net that North Stars’ goalie Conner Lemieux didn’t see until it was in the back of the net. Dimitri Trahiotis would pot the game’s only power play marker at 13:17 and bring the North Stars even again with the Bombers at 3 goals apiece.
In the third period, Thunder Bay’s Noah Broughton tipped a Garren Voisey shot past the Bomber netminder to take the lead for the second time. Sioux Lookout’s other hometown hero, Kalin Roy picked up his own rebound and tied the game at 4s. Newcomer, Nathan Dann scored his first as a Bomber to regain the lead with less than 9 minutes to go in regulation. Nolan Palmer put the game on ice with an empty net goal in the final minute.
Thunder Bay’s Lemieux saved 34 of 39 shots he faced while Jake Manners would turn away 37 of 41 shots for his 10th win of the season.
The Bombers will travel Highway 72 twice this weekend to face the Dryden GM Ice Dogs on Friday and Saturday night. The Bombers now have their sights set on taking second place from the Red Lake Miners who are idle. The North Stars will be at home for a series against the Kam River Fighting Walleye.