THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Jacob Anttonen tallied twice to help the surging Thunder Bay North Stars complete a two-game weekend sweep over the Dryden GM Ice Dogs by winning 6-2 Saturday in Superior International Junior Hockey League action at the Fort William Gardens.
The North Stars came out flying in this one as they soared to a 3-0 lead after one period of play on tallies from Anttonen and Joel Willan, at even strength, and Brendan Gillis on the power play.
Michael Vecchio put Thunder Bay up by four 4:29 into the second stanza and the hosts had a chance to extend their lead just over three minutes later but Dryden goaltender Jordan Wilde thwarted Michael Stubbs on a penalty shot attempt.
A late man advantage in the session helped the GM Ice Dogs get on the board as Dylan Winsor picked up his fourth of the campaign at 18:11.
Ben Erwin got that back for the home side 43 seconds into the third before Anttonen added another, during a power play, at 15:21.
Dryden then rounded out the scoring late on Eric Stout’s 10th with just over a minute to go in the contest.
Alex Erwin and Ryan Mignault had two assists apiece for the North Stars in the triumph.
Dougie Newhouse made 29 saves to record the win for first place Thunder Bay as they improved to a league-best 16-1-1.
Wilde was peppered with 53 shots in a losing cause for the GM Ice Dogs as they fell to 6-8-2 on the year.
Photo credit: Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com