Local Sports

Staal spent 12 seasons in Carolina, winning a Stanley Cup in 2006.

Dryden, Kam River and Sioux Lookout all kept pace with victories on Saturday night.

Thunderwolves pick up three of four points and leave southern Ontario tied for second in the OUA West.

Lakehead led by three after one quarter but dropped a 19-point decision to the visiting Gee-Gees despite a 21-point performance by Nathan Bilamu.

Lakehead, making their return from the Christmas break, found themselves in tough against the top team in the country.

Thunder Bay and Dryden also picked up SIJHL wins on Friday night.

Despite the loss, the Thunderwolves picked up a crucial point to stay in contention in the tight OUA West.

The eight-team championship round and the eight-team consolation round are now set, with only final seeding left to determine.

Wilson Neto, who captained the team to a Premier Development League championship in 2008, said he remains hopeful the team will return in 2026.

Travel, accommodation and meal costs have created challenges for the soccer club to play south of the border