There were fireworks in the opening game of the 2nd Annual Superior International Junior Hockey League Showcase as the Dryden Ice Dogs defeated the Iron Range Ironheads 8-3 at the Heritage Sports Center.
Dryden’s Chris Belhumer was the star in this one as the Ice Dogs’ forward notched a hat-trick by the 5:25 mark of the second period.
Tyler Newsome, Thomas Greene and Ryan Lobreau each chipped in with a goal and assist while Jesse Linner notched a pair of markers of his own for the Dogs.
Spencer Peratalo and Benjamin Brouillard had a goal and assist apiece for the Range, with their third tally going to Casey Skolnik.
Kim Wildhaber got the win, kicking out 27 of 30 for Dryden while the Iron Range’s Chris Stokke was saddled for the loss, giving up four on 24 shots in 31 minutes of relief.
Starter David Sargent played the first period allowing three goals before returning later in the contest and giving up one more. He stopped 11 of 15 attempts in total in just less than 29 minutes of playing time.
The Showcase heats up again tomorrow back at Heritage with a full day of action, as Thunder Bay and Fort Frances square off at 11 a.m. followed by Wisconsin and Dryden at 2 p.m. while the finale features Duluth and Sioux Lookout at 5 p.m.
