The Thunder Bay North Stars are rapidly heading toward must-win territory.
Miles Nolan scored the winning goal Saturday night with 2:34 to go in the second period, vaulting the host Fort Frances Lakers to a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Superior International Junior Hockey League semifinal, edging the Stars 2-1.
Mason Meyer scored late in the first to open the scoring for the home side. Tim Cavar potted a shorthanded marker at 12:13 of the second to tie the game at a goal apiece.
SIJHL goalie of the year Nathan Park made 28 stops in the win, while Eric Mann made 38 saves in defeat.
Game 3 is Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at Fort William Gardens.