Third-Period Surge Propels Thunder Bay North Stars Past Fort Frances Lakers
High-Scoring Finale
The Thunder Bay North Stars showcased their offensive depth and late-game resilience on Sunday evening, riding a spectacular five-goal third-period explosion to secure a commanding victory over the visiting Fort Frances Lakers at Current River Arena. The win marks the second consecutive pre-season triumph for the North Stars as they fine-tune their roster ahead of the highly anticipated Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) regular season.
Unlocking Youth Potential
While pre-season matchups are traditionally used to evaluate bubble players, this particular contest highlighted the immediate impact of the team’s newest young weapons. North Stars head coach Matt Valley openly admits to being highly selective when it comes to signing 16-year-old prospects, typically preferring to let them spend another year developing in minor hockey before facing the physical demands of the SIJHL. However, local forward Cooper Disher has officially become the exception to that rule.
Returning Hometown Hero
Disher, who spent the previous season developing his game in southern Ontario with the Windsor Spitfires AAA midget organization, chose to return home to play for his hometown North Stars this year. That decision is already paying massive dividends for Valley’s squad. Disher turned in an elite performance on Sunday night, registering a crucial goal and an assist to help anchor the team’s offensive output.
A Tense Deadlock
The game itself was a tight, back-and-forth affair through the first 40 minutes. Thunder Bay struck first in the opening frame when Ben Exell found the back of the net, but Fort Frances answered back quickly with consecutive goals from Kirk-Bertens and Mackay to take a brief lead. Aiden Edwards tied it up for the North Stars before the second intermission, setting the stage for a dramatic final period.
Overwhelming the Defense
In the third, the North Stars’ conditioning and relentless forecheck completely overwhelmed the Lakers’ defense. Disher ignited the crowd just 1:41 into the final frame by burying a feed from Peter Forester. Only 25 seconds later, team veteran Witiluk scored unassisted to extend the lead. Edwards then net his second goal of the night on a power play, followed by late tallies from Vanderwey and Sheriff to put the game completely out of reach. Fort Frances goaltender McInenly faced a relentless barrage all night, ultimately giving up seven goals on 48 total Thunder Bay shots.
Rivalry Cup Previews
With the pre-season schedule winding down, the North Stars are now turning their attention toward tougher competition. The team will look to carry this offensive momentum into next weekend when they kick off the annual Teleco Cup series—a home-and-home exhibition showdown against their fierce local rivals, the Kam River Fighting Walleye.
Upcoming Schedule Details
Fans can catch the first leg of the Teleco Cup next Friday night at Norwest Arena, with the puck dropping at 7:00 p.m., before the series https://www.northstarstablespa.com/ shifts back to Current River Arena on Saturday evening. For comprehensive stats and player updates, fans can follow the team via TBNewsWatch.com.