Jackson Tucker’s first of three goals, 29 seconds into the second period, stood as the game-winner as the Fort Frances Muskies scored a 3-0 win over Kenora’s Beaver Brae Broncos to open the NorWOSSA boys’ hockey best-of-three final Wednesday night at the Ice for Kids Arena.
Callum McCormick made it 2-0 for the home side in the second with a quick shot from the right face-off circle while on the power play.
Tucker would score his second of the period two minutes later.
The Muskie defenceman completed the hat trick midway through the third period.
The series shifts to Kenora for game two Friday afternoon at the Kenora Rec. Centre.
Game three will be played in Fort Frances on Sunday, if necessary.
In Dryden, a three-goal third period broke open a 2-2 draw as the Dryden Eagles skated to a 5-2 win over the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints in the opener of the NorWOSSA girls’ hockey final.
The Saints opened the scoring five minutes into the first period on a goal by Cleo Bourgeois.
Dryden evened the game with Meagan Lundmark notching the first of two goals.
Kyla Calvert then gave the Eagles their first lead of the game, only to see that evaporate a minute later when Sophie Muise responded for the Saints.
The Eagles took control in the third with goals coming from Calvert, Caity Sapay and Lundmark.
Game two will be played Friday in Kenora at 5:30 p.m.
Should a third game be necessary, it will go Sunday in Dryden at 3:30 p.m.
