Sioux Lookout dominates with grit and grind to secure a 2-1 win in double-header rematch!
Sioux Lookout, ON – The Bombers came out flying Saturday night, shaking off their Friday loss to the Red Lake Miners with a rock-solid performance that had the home crowd buzzing. A few tactical line changes made all the difference, and the Bombers showed up ready to play from the first puck drop to the final buzzer.
Sioux Lookout controlled the pace early, outshooting Red Lake 11-7 in the first period, and showing no mercy with their physical play. Every check was finished, and the Miners were given zero breathing room. Bombers’ goalie Matthew Ofukany wasn’t overly busy but came up huge when called upon, making some highlight-reel saves. The breakthrough came at 7:14, when Assistant Captain Alex Lucas pounced on a loose puck in front of the Miners’ net and hammered it past Trent Boryszczuk, giving Sioux Lookout a 1-0 lead.
The second period was a goaltender’s duel as both teams traded chances, but neither goalie flinched. Once again, the Bombers kept up the pressure, outshooting the Miners 11-7.
In the third, Sioux Lookout struck again at 3:23. Owen Riffel sent a no-look pass across the crease, and Kaden Veller was right there to fire it over Boryszczuk’s pad, extending the lead to 2-0. Just when it looked like Ofukany would skate away with a shutout, Red Lake’s Quinn Szpak snuck one past him with under a minute to play. But the Bombers held firm for the 2-1 victory.
Final shots were 39-21 in favor of the Bombers, and the stars of the game were well-earned. Ben Dias, usually a defenseman, played an outstanding game as a forward on the energy line, earning him third star honors. Matthew Ofukany picked up second star with another stellar night in net, securing his third win in four starts. The game’s first star went to Alex Lucas, who not only opened the scoring but brought a physical edge all game long.
Next up for the Bombers? A trip to Michigan to face the Ironwood Lumberjacks in a weekend series. Meanwhile, the Miners hit the road to battle the Fort Frances Lakers on Tuesday.