Dryden's early start throttles Stars

Special teams were the difference for the Dryden Ice Dogs on Saturday night.

The Ice Dogs scored three power play goals – on 17 chances – and once shorthanded, downing the host Thunder Bay North Stars 5-3 at Fort William Gardens.

Ben McLellan led the way for Dryden (23-12-0) with a pair of goals, as Dryden took over top spot in the Superior International Junior Hockey League standings, one point ahead Wisconsin. The Wilderness were scheduled to host Fort Frances on Saturday, but icy roads threw a wrench into that plan.

Thomas Kuhn, and Dwight Lee with a pair, also scored for the Ice Dogs, who built a 4-0 lead five minutes into the third, only to see the North Stars roll off three straight markers to draw to within one.

Daniel Franks, Kyle Breukelman and Daniel Salokari were the North Stars marksmen.

Guillaume Piche replaced starter Jay Pelletier in the Thunder Bay net at the 9:45 mark of the first, after Pelletier had allowed three goals.