Clydesdales net first win with final-minute goal

Darrick Howard scored with 12 seconds left in regulation and the Duluth Clydesdales are winless no more.

Howard’s game-winning tally helped erase the disappointment of blowing a 4-2 third-period lead to the host Thunder Bay North Stars Friday night. With five minutes to go, the Stars, who trailed the whole way, got goals 23 seconds apart by Matt Kaarela and Wade Garbett to knot the game 4-4.

But Howard spoiled their overtime party, handing the last place Clydesdales a 5-4 triumph.

Ian Reffert and Dillon Mershon staked Duluth to a 2-0 lead in the first. Cody Fraser got the Stars on the board at 12:49, but Reffert responded six minutes later with his second of the night. Kaarela, back from an extended stay on the injury list, netted the lone goal of the second to cut the Clydesdales lead to 3-2. Justin Martin doubled their advantage at 9:35 of the third, beating North Stars goalie Jayme Brattengeier, who made 16 saves on the night.

Dryden 4, Fort Frances 1: At Fort Frances, Chris Belhumeur had a goal and an assist to pace the Stars to the win and a third-place tie with Thunder Bay.

Minnesota Wilderness 6, Minnesota Iron Rangers 0: Jordan Shockley and Jake Larson had a pair of goals apiece as the Wilderness blanked the Iron Rangers on the road. JoJo Jeanetta made 37 saves to earn the shutout.