Lakers Clinch #1 Spot in SIJHL Regular Season

The Fort Frances Lakers are heading into the playoffs with momentum after a 3–2 win over the Ironwood Lumberjacks at Ice For Kids Arena.

The victory clinched first place in the Superior International Junior Hockey League regular season standings, giving the Lakers a first-round playoff bye.

After the game, forward Jace Van Eps said the performance wasn’t perfect — but the team found a way to secure the win.

Fort Frances also had to battle through adversity in the third period, including multiple penalties and two five-on-three situations for Ironwood. Van Eps says the team relied on its penalty kill and strong goaltending to hold the lead.

Captain Pierce Gouin scored the eventual game-winning goal midway through the third period. He says the message from the coaching staff during the intermission was simple.

In net, goaltender Nolan Koethler made 25 saves to secure the victory and help clinch the regular season title.

Koethler says the stop-and-start pace of the game made staying focused a challenge.

With the top seed secured, the Lakers now shift their focus to the postseason.

But before the playoffs begin, Fort Frances will close out the regular season tonight at 7:15 when they host Ironwood once again at Ice For Kids Arena.

Tonight’s game will also serve as the team’s Hockey Fights Cancer night, presented by Safeway, raising funds for Riverside Health Care and its Lights, Camera, Diagnosis campaign to help bring a new MRI and upgraded radiography equipment to La Verendrye General Hospital and the Rainy River Health Centre.

Fans attending the game can help support the cause through a gate-match donation, a Chuck-A-Puck fundraiser, special t-shirt sales, and additional donations being collected at the arena.

Puck drop tonight is 7:15 at Ice For Kids Arena as the Lakers wrap up the regular season before beginning their playoff run.