COCHENOUR, Ont. – A Malcolm Huemmert goal 4:13 into the third period proved to be the game-winner as the Dryden GM Ice Dogs edged the English River Miners 2-1 Thursday evening in a tightly-contested Superior International Junior Hockey League match-up at Cochenour Arena.
Kris Hamlin’s 10th gave Dryden the lead midway through the first period before the Miners’ Spencer Milne supplied his 18th of the season two minutes later to tie things up.
It stayed that way until the final frame when Huemmert provided the difference make as his 17th tally of the campaign proved to be the difference maker.
Jacob Gnidziejko stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced to record an all-important victory for the GM Ice Dogs as they moved two points ahead of the idle Thief River Falls Norskies in the race for first place overall in the SIJHL standings.
Dryden has one game remaining in the regular season, which is at Fort Frances Friday.
Thief River Falls meanwhile has two left, both on the road, vs. Thunder Bay Friday and at the Lakers Saturday.
Michael Lenko turned aside 34 of 36 in suffering a close setback for English River.
Photo credit: Patrick Boucha