OLIVER PAIPOONGE – Geoff Walker’s coaching debut with the Kam River Fighting Walleye was delayed a few days because of a technicality.
It really didn’t matter on Friday night.
Eric Vanska, the Fighting Walleyes No. 1 goaltender, made 38 saves to earn his second shutout of the Superior International Junior Hockey League seasons and led his team to a 5-0 home-ice win over the Wisconsin Lumberjacks at Norwest Arena.
Jeremy Dunmore had a goal and an assist to pace the Fighting Walleye, with singles going to Braeden Duchesne, Ryan Doucette, Carson Gorst and Anthony Oviedo.
Kyler Lowden gave up five goals on 48 shots in the Wisconsin net, with Keegan Strong coming on for the final 6:28, making two saves on two shots faced.
The two teams match up again on Saturday night.
Red Lake 5, Fort Frances 1: Dayvan Bull had a hat trick to lead the Miners to the win. Clark Scaddan had the only goal for the Lakers, spoiling Jack Osmond’s shutout bid at 7:18 of the third.
