Fort Frances Lakers up 2-0 in Playoffs After Weekend Sweep

The Fort Frances Lakers are up two games to none in their opening round SIJHL playoff series against the Kam River Fighting Walleye — and they’re celebrating a major off-ice honour as well.
The Lakers opened the postseason with a 2-1 overtime win in Game 1 Friday night at Ice For Kids Arena, in a physical, emotional battle that needed extra time before Nick Fagnilli buried the game-winner.
Fort Frances got on the board first thanks to Daniel Tokariwski, who opened the scoring in the first period. Kam River tied it late in the third, but the Lakers stayed composed and found a way in overtime.
After the win, Tokariwski talked about the electric atmosphere and how the team responded after letting Kam River back in.

The Lakers got another big performance in goal from Brady Cates, who shut the door time and again in the third period to help preserve the win in his first playoff start.

Below you can listen to the full interview following Friday night’s game 1:

Then in Game 2 Saturday night, the Lakers followed it up with a wild 5-4 victory to take a commanding 2-0 series lead heading on the road.
It was a back-and-forth affair all night, but Fort Frances kept answering. Gunnar Simon opened the scoring, Teagan Wrolstad added another, and with the game tied late in regulation, Pierce Gouin delivered the winner with just seven seconds left on the clock.
After the game, Gouin broke down the dramatic finish.

Gunnar Simon says the key now is carrying that same style of play into Kam River’s building.

Below is the full postgame interview following the game 2 victory:

And while the Lakers are rolling on the ice, they also picked up a huge win off of it.
Gregory Wiseman has officially been named the 2025-26 SIJHL Community Ambassador, recognized for the impact he made across Fort Frances this season.
Wiseman, an Inuit player from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, made visits to multiple Rainy River District School Board schools, where he shared his culture, his experiences, and his journey as an Indigenous athlete.
RRDSB Indigenous Education Lead Kim Kirk praised Wiseman for helping students better understand Inuit culture and perspectives, while promoting respect, inclusion, and awareness in local classrooms.
After Saturday’s Game 2 win, Wiseman talked about what those school visits have meant to him.

And Wiseman says the message is simple — work hard, be proud, and go for it.

The Lakers now head to Kam River with a 2-0 series lead, looking to keep the momentum rolling — while Gregory Wiseman continues to make an impact far beyond the scoreboard.