THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Joel Willan tallied twice, including the game-winner, as the first place Thunder Bay North Stars went on to double up the Red Lake Miners 4-2 Saturday evening in a Superior International Junior Hockey League meeting at the Fort William Gardens.
Thunder Bay opened the scoring 2:50 into the contest as newcomer Nicholas Privitera walked into one from the right point that was neatly deflected into the top corner by Kyler Basaraba parked at the side of the crease, as he collected his first SIJHL tally.
Red Lake drew level late in the frame when Miners defenceman Rajvir Sangha fired a shot towards the net that clipped off the skate of teammate Ryan Patterson right to Noah Kwasny, who promptly buried his initial league tally.
Action in the middle session saw Willan put the North Stars back on top with help from Jacob Brown and Nikolas Campbell.
It stayed that way until near the midway point of the third when Kwasny fed Ryan Patterson for his first to knot the score at 2-2.
However, the home side countered with the difference maker three minutes later with Willan firing one past Red Lake goaltender Zach Willms.
Then on a power play in the final minute, Thunder Bay secured the victory when Jacob Anttonen was left with a tap in into an empty net to round out the scoring.
Shots on goal favoured the North Stars 49-32 with Jordan Smith picking up the win and Willms the defeat.
Photo credit: Gary Moskalyk