The Red Lake Miners 2026-27 SIJHL season started with a pre-game tribute to honour the legacy of Chris “Pimmer” Pimblott.
The Miners organization has dedicated this season to Pimmer, a key part of the Miners family since its inception who sadly was lost during the summer. Pimmer gave so much of his time, energy and heart to the Miners and the Red Lake hockey community. His presence, dedication and friendship will always be part of the organization. For the 2026-27 season a special “CP” patch will be worn on their jerseys. A special ceremonial puck drop involving Pimblott’s grandchildren was the start of the Miners season. The legacy of Pimmer will never be forgotten.
First period action saw the Miners opening up scoring at 6:16 when McCall Nault scored his first goal as a Miner. The teams would battle for the rest of the first including a skirmish at the end of the period and when all the dust settled the Miners led the Ice Dogs 1-0 after 20 minutes.
Second period action saw Nault scoring his second at 3:42 to put the Miners up 2-0. In front of the fans packed into the bleachers at the Cochenour Arena things fell apart on the Miners quickly. Miners goaltender Zach Johnson was left on his own as the Ice Dogs would score 4 unanswered goals before the end of the period. Reidar Paquette, Baden Pazddzierski, and Adam Zamecnik all scored their first goals of the season before Jeremy Hutchison scored his first with 46 seconds left in the period. After 40 minutes the Ice Dogs led the Miners 4-2.
Third period action saw Makhi Wandler score his first to pull the Miners within 1 and liven up the home crowd at 10:33. The buzz was short lived as Ryder Wolfe scored on a goal mouth scramble at 12:09. Ryder Marks empty netter would seal it for the Ice Dogs.
Final score Ice Dogs 6 Miners 3.
