A Dan Divis power-play goal 13:45 into the second period proved to be the game-winner Wednesday when the Minnesota Wilderness defeated the Fort Frances Lakers, 4-1, in game three of the Superior International Junior Hockey League’s Bill Salonen Cup final at Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet.
After successfully killing off a Wilderness man-advantage opportunity, Fort Frances opened the scoring when Tyler Brodersen put the puck past Minnesota goalie Gordy Defiel at 12:17 of the first period.
In the middle frame, the Wilderness used a quick transition to notch the equalizer when Nick Szopinski powered his way down the left wing and backhanded a pass to Conrad Sampair, who went high on Lakers goalie Talor Joseph at 8:06.
Five-and-a-half minutes later, Minnesota then took its first lead of the night, during the late stages of a power play, when Divis put a wrist shot past Joseph from the middle of the ice from his point position.
Wilderness forward Jake Larson, the SIJHL’s leading goal scorer during the course of the season, added to his totals with another in the playoffs when the scored an insurance goal at 18:47 of the third period.
Minnesota forward Jordan Shockley then added an empty-net goal with a second to go to conclude the night’s scoring.
Shots on goal favored the Wilderness by a 51-23 margin.
The Wilderness also won game four Friday at Ice for Kids Arena in Fort Frances, 5-3. The Lakers then won game five Saturday at Northwoods Credit Union Arena, 3-1.
Minnesota currently leads the series 3-2 with game six set for 7:30 p.m. Monday at 52 Canadians Arena in Fort Frances.
After the best-of-seven series wraps up, the SIJHL champion will then advance to the Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A championship in North Bay, April 30-May 4.
