While the final score wasn’t what Fort Frances hockey fans wanted, this was about SO MUCH more than the results on the ice.
This final “winner take all” game of the season was a celebration of sport and culture coming together.
The game was a sellout. The Ice For Kids Arena in the Memorial Sports Centre was jam packed with people who came from all over the region for the big event. There were watch parties at local restaurants. People were streaming the game online from home. Laker pride was on full display all across the Borderland.
Mostly, for the hometown crowd, it was to celebrate the Fort Frances Lakers incredible turnaround season. The went from finishing in sixth place last year to first! Netminder Brady Cates has a stellar individual season winning Rookie and Goalie of the Year as well as league MVP! Bench boos Luke Judson won Coach of the Year!
The Lakers rallied back from a two goal deficit to force overtime in this bizarre series where the road team won every game.
While the team ultimately didn’t capture the Bill Salonen Cup (hats off to the Thunder Bay North Star who are this year’s champs) the Lakers certainly captured the enthusiasm and excitement of an entire community.
Here are some onsite pics from one of the biggest nights in the Borderland in some time.
