A new season got underway on Saturday in Hoyt Lakes as the Thunder Bay North Stars faced the Minnesota Iron Rangers. It was the SIJHL opener for both teams and the visitors would take the two points winning 4-1.
Alexander Irwin scored the opening goal at 5:02 of the first to give the North Stars a lead. Charlie Corness assisted on the goal. Starting goaltender did the rest making 15 of his 33 saves in the opening period.
Minnesota would tie the game early in the second, but Thunder Bay would score twice in the period to lead 3-1 at intermission. Avery Siau and Joe Newhouse were the goal scorers in a period dominated by the North Stars. Shots for the middle frame were 20-6.
Despite an 18-13 shot advantage in the third Thunder Bay could not beat Iron Rangers goalie Jackson Nelson who would end the game with 44 saves in a losing effort. Siau would add an empty net goal in the final minute to seal the victory.
Thunder Bay will host the Iron Rangers in their home opener on Wednesday. Game time at Fort William Gardens is scheduled for 7:35 PM.