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Dryden GM Ice Dogs win 2nd straight over Red Lake, 4-1

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Baden Padzierski record a hat trick as the Dryden GM Ice Dogs dumped the Red Lake Miners 4-1 Saturday night at the Dryden Arena.

The win gives Dryden the sweep the opening weekend series, having scored a 6-3 win over the Miners at the Cochenour Arena Friday night.

The Ice Dogs led 1-0 after the first period with Pazdzierski getting the marker.

They increased their lead to 2-0 in the second with Adam Zamecnik scoring his second of the season.

Red Lake got on the board early in the third on Manny Ross’s first of the season.

Dryden restored its two lead with Pazdzierski scoring a shorthanded marker just past the midway point of the period.

He notched his third goal three minutes later.

The Ice Dogs outshot Red Lake 53-29

Carsten Komorowski picked up the win in net for Dryden.

Red Lake Miners 1 at Dryden GM Ice Dogs 4 – Status: Final
Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Dryden Memorial Arena

Red Lake 0 0 1 – 1
Dryden 1 1 2 – 4

1st Period
1, Dryden, Pazdzierski 2 (Paquette), 11:50
Penalties-Nault Rlm (cross checking), 3:25; Bradley Rlm (roughing), 16:44; Anderson Did (roughing), 16:44.

2nd Period
3, Dryden, Zamecnik 2 (Hutchison), 1:55
Penalties-Diehl Did (cross checking), 12:26; Stevens Rlm (tripping), 17:56; Hutchison Did (too many men), 19:20.

3rd Period
3, Red Lake, Ross 1 (Blakeley), 4:03
4, Dryden, Pazdzierski 3 (Kerr), 11:45 (SH)
5, Dryden, Pazdzierski 4 (Bruckshaw, Wolfe), 14:33
Penalties-Laforges Rlm (holding), 5:03; Goreniuk Did (roughing after the whistle), 11:36; Nault Rlm (slashing), 15:12; Menger Did (roughing), 15:12.

Shots on Goal-Red Lake 12-10-7-29. Dryden 18-17-18-53.
Power Play Opportunities-Red Lake 0 / 3; Dryden 0 / 3.
Goalies-Red Lake, Donohue 0-1-0-0 (53 shots-49 saves). Dryden, Komorowski 2-0-0-0 (29 shots-28 saves).
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North Stars sweep weekend series over Lakers

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A five-point night from Mitch Vanderwey sparked the Thunder Bay North Stars to a 7-5 win over the Fort Frances Lakers Saturday Night at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

The win gave the Stars an opening weekend sweep of the Lakers after winning 5-1 on Friday night.

Vanderwey led the Stars with three goals, including the game winner later in the third.

He opened the scoring in the first on the power play, before the Lakers pulled ahead on goals from Tie Schumacher and Liam Starcevic.

The North Stars went back on top on goals from Quinn Schutte and Graeme Tenhunen.

The Lakers’ Carter Peterson evened the score with under 2 minutes left in the second period before Aiden Edward scored for the Stars, giving them a one-goal lead after 40 minutes.

Schumacher scored his second of the game early in the third period to bring the Lakers back even with the Stars.

Ben Exell gave the Stars the lead for good four minutes later before a wild final minute of play that led to three goals in 34 seconds.

Lakers pulled netminder Brady Shield, but gave up a goal to Vanderwey.

Dax Laplante narrowed the lead back to one 25 seconds later.

Nine seconds later, with the Lakers’ net still empty, Vanderwey recorded the hat trick and secured the win for the Stars.

Thunder Bay outshot the Lakers 44-38, with Fort Frances native Eleazar Andrusco credited with his second win of the season.

Thunder Bay North Stars 7 at Fort Frances Lakers 5 – Status: Final
Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Memorial Sports Centre

Thunder Bay 1 3 3 – 7
Fort Frances 2 1 2 – 5

1st Period
1, Thunder Bay, Vanderwey 2 7:33 (PP).
2, Fort Frances, Schumacher 1 (Simon), 16:44.
3, Fort Frances, Starcevic 1 16:58.
Penalties-Dowling Ffl (checking from behind – double minor), 3:36; Coffin Ffl (tripping), 13:32.

2nd Period
4, Thunder Bay, Schutte 1 (Vanderwey, Loke), 11:06 (PP).
5, Thunder Bay, Tenhunen 1 (Vanderwey), 12:07
6, Fort Frances, Peters 1 (Thiessen, McKay), 13:20
7, Thunder Bay, Edwards 2 (Allan)
18:35. Penalties-McLeod Tbn (slashing), 4:04; Yerxa Ffl (roughing), 4:04; Bragnalo Tbn (slashing), 5:06; Cameron Ffl (unsportsmanlike conduct), 9:53; Sheriff Tbn (roughing), 12:07; Gould Ffl (checking from behind – double minor), 12:07; Arsenault Ffl (slashing), 15:13.

3rd Period
8, Fort Frances, Schumacher 2 (Green), 3:10 (PP)
9, Thunder Bay, Exell 2 (Schutte, Edwards), 7:12 (PP)
10, Thunder Bay, Vanderwey 3 (Swanson, Loke), 19:15 (EN)
11, Fort Frances, Laplante 2 (McKay), 19:40
12, Thunder Bay, Vanderwey 4 (unassisted)
19:49 (EN). Penalties-Loke Tbn (cross checking), 0:00; George Tbn (roughing), 2:22; Laplante Ffl (high sticking), 3:39; Thiessen Ffl (roughing), 5:15; Tenhunen Tbn (holding), 16:40.

Shots on Goal-Thunder Bay 14-14-16-44. Fort Frances 13-13-12-38.
Power Play Opportunities-Thunder Bay 3 / 8; Fort Frances 1 / 6.
Goalies-Thunder Bay, Andrusco 2-0-0-0 (38 shots-33 saves). Fort Frances, Shields 0-1-0-0 (42 shots-37 saves).
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SIJHL new logo 2026

North Stars defeat Lakers in SIJHL season-opener

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Thunder Bay North Stars defeated the Fort Frances Lakers 5-1 Friday night at the Memorial Sports Centre.

The game was the season opener for both teams in the Superior International Junior Hockey League.

The two teams met in last year’s Bill Salonen Cup final, with the Stars winning the 7-game series.

After playing to a scoreless draw in the first period, the Lakers drew first blood seven minutes into the second with Dax Laplante finding the net.

The North Stars evened the score with Aiden Edwards scoring on the power play.

Keegan Bragnalo put the Stars up front, scoring with 34 seconds remaining in the period.

It remained a one-goal game through much of the third period before the Stars notched back-to-back power play goals from Chance Loke and Quinn Schutte to give the visitors a 4-1 lead.

Mitch Vanderwey rounded out the scoring with an empty-net marker with 90 seconds left in the game.

The North Stars outshot the Lakers 44-26.

Eleazar Andrusco, who hails from Fort Frances and suited up for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season for a brief back-up role, picked up the victory in net for the Stars.

The two teams will meet again at the Memorial Sports Centre on Saturday, beginning at 7:15 p.m. (CDT).

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Ice Dogs rally for opening night win Red Lake

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A four-goal second period sparked the Dryden GM Ice Dogs to a 6-3 win over the Red Lake Miners at the Cochenour Arena Friday night to open the 2025-26 Superior International Junior Hockey League season.

The Miners took the early lead in the first period on a goal from McCall Nault.

Nault scored his second of the game three minutes into the second before the Ice Dogs rallied for four straight markers.

Reidar Paquette and Baden Pazdzierski scored two minutes apart to tie the game before Adam Zamecnik gave the Dogs the lead at the 14-minute mark.

Jeremy Hutchison closed out the scoring in the period with a goal in the final minute of play.

Makhi Wandler narrowed Dryden’s lead with his first of the season midway through the third period.

Ryder Wolfe restored the two-goal lead two minutes later.

Ryder Marks added an empty-net goal to seal the win for Dryden.

Dryden outshot Red Lake 52-25, with Carsten Komorowski earning the win in net.

The same two teams meet again Saturday night at the Dryden Arena, with the puck dropping at 8 p.m.

Meantime, a game between the Sioux Lookout Bombers and the Kam River Fighting Walleye scheduled for the Sioux Lookout Arena Friday night was cancelled.

The Bombers posted on social media that the Walleye faced transportation issues that prevented them from traveling to Sioux Lookout.

The game will be scheduled to another date to be determined.

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Dryden GM Ice Dogs name new coach/GM

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The Dryden GM Ice Dogs have selected a new head coach and general manager to replace Jack Gushue, who left last month after two season.

Delroy Montaque comes to the team after coaching under-18 AAA teams in Sudbury and British Columbia.

According to a release, the team states Montaque distinguished himself in the selection process with natural enthusiasm, energy, and genuine passion for building a successful junior hockey program.

“What stood out most was his leadership potential,” states the release.

“From our earliest conversations, it became evident that Delroy possesses the character, work ethic, and vision to lead our organization both on and off the ice. His ability to connect with players, families, billets, volunteers, sponsors, and the broader community aligns closely with the culture we continue to build within the Dryden GM Ice Dogs.”

The Ice Dogs say they also spoke with several individuals who have worked alongside Montaque and described him as a high-character individual, a capable recruiter, and someone deeply committed to investing in the long-term success of the organizations he served.

“Throughout this process, we weren’t simply looking for a coach more so, we were looking for someone who could lead our program into its next chapter,” states Director of Hockey Operations Ben Hackl.

“Delroy immediately impressed us with his enthusiasm, charisma, and natural ability to connect with people. Every conversation reinforced the feeling that he is someone players want to play for and someone people want to work alongside.”

According to a social media post from the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association, Montaqeu began his AAA coaching career in 2020, guiding a girls’ team in Vancouver to a first-place finish.

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Bombers name new head coach

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With three months to go before puck drop for the 2026–27 season, the Sioux Lookout Bombers have announced their new head coach.

Joel Litt-Jukes will take the reigns next season. He played three years of junior hockey with the Saskatoon Royals of the PJHL from 2017-2020.

The 26-year old hails from Moose Jaw, SK and studied psychology at the University of Saskatchewan before moving to Calgary to pursue coaching full-time.

“Out in Calgary I spent the last five years coaching various programs of all age groups,” Litt-Jukes said. “I’ve been head coaching both a AA program and a junior program at the exact same time the last few years — the schedule got a little busy there of course, but I think that hopefully can speak to the passion I have for what I do. I don’t think many people are going to be coaching two teams at once if they don’t love it.”

Litt-Jukes says he cares about building a culture in the locker room and establishing relationships with his players.

“You have to have ambition, work ethic and accountability. I think those words define not only good hockey players but good people. I think if you can instill those values in yourself you’re going to be successful no matter what,” he said.

He says his background in psychology helps him empower players to have confidence and courage on the ice.

“I’m going to come in and make sure the players have the courage to go out and make plays,” he said.

Litt-Jukes is the second head coach in the four-year history of the Bombers Junior A program. He steps up after 2024 SIJHL champion Carson Johnstone left the team to pursue other opportunities for himself and his family, per a Facebook post from the team.

“Carson has served as the Bombers head coach since our inaugural season and led us to our first Bill Salonen championship. We cannot thank him enough for his immeasurable contributions to our program and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Bombers President James Brohm. “He has made an impact on our community working with young players at his breakfast sessions and one-on-one sessions to help guide them in their hockey journeys. So from myself and the Bombers organization, thank you Carson.”

The 2026-2027 SIJHL season starts in September.

Thunder Bay North Stars logo adjusted

North Stars finish winless in Centennial Cup tournament

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The Thunder Bay North Stars had a tough go of it on the national stage this week.

Our SIJHL champs mounted a furious comeback attempt in their final game against the hosting Summerside Western Capitals on Tuesday night. They cut a 4-0 deficit to 4-3, but weren’t able to finish the job. The North Stars finished winless in round robin play and did not qualify for the elimination round.

Standout tournament performances include:

  • F Easton Gloucher – 3 goals, 1 assist
  • D Chase Loke – 4 assists (tied for 4th in tournament)
  • F Acoyen Fehr – 3 goals
  • F Chase Cochrane – 15 penalty minutes (tied for 3rd in tournament)

The final results:

DateOpponentScore
May 8Canmore Eagles (Alberta)3-2 L
May 9Niverville Nighthawks (Manitoba)7-2 L
May 11Rockland Nationals (Southeastern Ontario)8-2 L
May 12Summerside Western Capitals (PEI)5-3 L

The last time the North Stars competed for the Centennial Cup was in 2006. They finished 2-2 in the round robin and lost in the semifinal.

The 2026 Centennial Cup championship game is scheduled for Sunday at 7 pm.

tbayfeistgoal

North Stars drop to 0-2 in Centennial Cup tournament

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A 7-2 loss to Manitoba’s Niverville Nighthawks has the Thunder Bay North Stars in a tough position halfway through the Centennial Cup round robin.

The North Stars trailed 4-1 after the first period. They were out shot 41 to 17 over the course of Saturday’s game.

Defenceman Chase Cochrane received a 5-minute major and was ejected from the game for a hit to the head early in the second period.

Our two goals came from Easton Gloucher in the first period and Kayne Van Metre in the second.

The North Stars will face the Rockland Nationals of southeastern Ontario on Sunday. The Nationals are also winless in the tournament, losing their only game in overtime to the Canmore Eagles on Thursday.

Thunder Bay’s reigning SIJHL champs will likely need to win out to advance to the elimination round.

Red Lake Miners - puck

Red Lake Miners appoint highly decorated new head coach

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The Red Lake Miners have hired Kurt Walsten as the team’s new head coach and general manager.

Walsten has the most coaching wins in SIJHL history, two Bill Salonen Cup Championships, two SIJHL Coach of the Year awards, and three CJHL Coach of the Year honourable mentions.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to work with the Miners organization,” said Walsten. “We are going to build a team that competes every night, plays hard, and helps players develop to the next level. Culture and accountability will be a major emphasis of our program, and our players need to take pride in how they play and represent the Miners organization.”

Walsten is a Kenora native who played 16 seasons of pro/semi-pro hockey as a defenceman. He racked up nearly 200 penalty minutes for the Fresno Falcons of the PSHL in 1992. He previously coached the Dryden Ice Dogs from 2014 to 2024.

He takes over for Billy Keane, who left the organization after posting a last-place 5-42 record in the 2025/26 season.

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Thunder Bay North Stars Centennial Cup quest begins Friday

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Just last week, the Thunder Bay North Stars were celebrating a dramatic Game 7 overtime victory to capture the SIJHL title.

They’re not finished yet, though.

The champs are in Summerside, PEI to compete for the Centennial Cup, Canada’s national Junior A championship tournament.

The North Stars celebrate their overtime game-winner to clinch the SIJHL title (Kevin Jeffrey/April 28 2026)

Paul Martin was Prime Minister the last time the North Stars were on the national stage. They went 2-2 and lost in the semifinal.

20 years later, they think they have the team to get it done. They’ll play Alberta’s Canmore Eagles on Friday to start the round robin. Manitoba’s Niverville Nighthawks are next on Saturday, then southeastern Ontario’s Rockland Nationals on Monday. They’ll play the tournament hosts on Tuesday as Summerside Western Capitals look to defend their barn to close out the round robin.

We’ll keep you posted as the results come in.

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