COCHENOUR, Ont. – The English River Miners rebounded to defeat the Fort Frances Lakers 4-1 Thursday evening in Game 2 of their Superior International Junior Hockey League quarter-final at Cochenour Arena.
The best-of-five series is now tied at one win apiece as the action now shifts to Ice for Kids Arena in Fort Frances for Game 3 Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The lone tally of the first frame came late in the session with English River connecting on the power play with 22 seconds to go on a goal from defenceman Kyle Rosolowski.
Fort Frances drew level with the only tally of the middle session, which was supplied by Adam Withers at 4:29.
The Miners would regain the lead in the third as Ethan Wong picked up the eventual game-winner at 5:20.
The Lakers pulled netminder Ismael Ralsten in the late going to try and tie and force overtime, but English River got empty net goals from Spencer Milne and Cody Milgate to secure the win.
Michael Lenko made 31 saves to pick-up up the victory for the Miners while Ralsten stopped 27 of 29 in defeat.
SIJHL Playoffs
Series B
Quarter-final series
No. 4 English River Miners vs. No. 5 Fort Frances Lakers
Best-of-five series tied 1-1
Game 1: Fort Frances 4 English River 2
Game 2: English River 4 Fort Frances 1
Game 3: Saturday, March 24 @ Fort Frances 7:30 p.m. (Ice for Kids Arena)
Game 4: Monday, March 26 @ Fort Frances 7:30 p.m. (Ice for Kids Arena)
Game 5*: Wednesday, March 28 @ English River 7:30 p.m. (Cochenour Arena)
*- if necessary
Photo credit: Patrick Boucha