OLIVER PAIPOONGE – The Kam River Fighting Walleye opened the 2021-22 Superior International Junior Hockey League season in winning fashion, doubling crosstown rival Thunder Bay North Stars 4-2 on home ice on Saturday night.
Keaton Mercredi scored the winner 12:41 into the third period, breaking a 2-2 time. Ethan Lang, Calum McGill and Bradley Fortier also scored for the Fighting Walleye.
Raj Sangha had both goals for the Stars, who trailed 1-0 after one and were down 2-0 before Sangha had back-to-back tallies to close out the second.
Austin Madge made 22 saves to pick up the victory in net for Kam River, playing at the NorWest Arena. Jordan Smith made 30 stops for the North Stars.
In other league play, Kiev Kenishanko was 22-for-22 in goal for the host Red Lake Miners, picking up the shutout in a 3-0 win over the Dryden Ice Dogs. South of the border, Zach Carson score with 5:07 to go in regulation to lead the visiting Wisconsin Lumberjacks to a 2-1 win over the Thief River Falls Norskies.
The North Stars are next in action on Thursday night at Red Lake, while the Fighting Walleye will host Fort Frances on Saturday.
