North Stars advance after sweeping Miners

The Thunder Bay North Stars are moving on to the second round of the Superior International Junior Hockey League playoffs.

The Stars rallied back from two goals down on the road on Friday night to down the English River Miners 5-3 and sweep the best-of-five elimination series.

The North Stars will now take on the top-ranked Fort Frances Lakers in the semifinals.

Mathas Gardiman scored twice and added an assist to lead Thunder Bay to the win. Daniel McKitrick netted the winner 4:16 into the final period, with Kris Kellaway netting the equalizer in the final minute of the second.

Ryker Moreau, Joel Warkentin, who scored in the first, and Landen Matechuk replied for the Miners.

Brandon Wolframe had the North Stars other goal.

Nathaniel Dupuis came on in relief of starter Eric Mann and stopped all 16 shots he faced to claim the victory in net for Thunder Bay.
The dates for the semifinal have yet to be set.