RED LAKE, Ont. – Suiting up in his first game of the season, veteran Red Lake Miners forward Spencer Milne helped set-up the tying tally, late in regulation, then collected the game-winner in overtime as his side pulled out a narrow 5-4 victory over the Thief River Falls Norskies Friday in Superior International Junior Hockey League play at Cochenour Arena.
The Miners started quickly getting goals from Tucker Evans, at even strength, and Jordan Baranesky, via the man advantage, to take an early 2-0 lead before the Norskies countered with a couple of power play markers from Nick Harder and Isaac Baron to knot the score at 2-2 after one.
Red Lake went back in front with the lone marker of the second stanza as Ethan Stuckless notched his seventh of the season at 2:13.
Thief River Falls would strike twice in just over a minute apart midway through the third as Cameron Lizakowski’s first SIJHL goal and Jack Michels’ second put the guests in front 4-3.
Then on a late power play, Morgan Venne would force overtime with 100 seconds left in regulation to get the Miners even.
In OT, Milne capped off his return with the game-winner to give the home side the extra point on the night.
Shots on goal in the contest favoured Thief River Falls by a 39-36 count with Zach Willms collecting the win while Seth Purcilly helped his club collect a point in defeat.
Photo credit: Patrick Boucha