North Stars rally for shootout win

Matthais Gardiman scored the lone goal of the shootout Friday night, propelling the Thunder Bay North Stars to an impressive 7-6 comeback win over the host and previously undefeated Dryden Ice Dogs.

The host squad opened a 5-1 lead in the first period, but the Stars scored four straight to tie the contest and the two teams traded goals before the middle stanza ended.

Bradley Belisle, with his second of the contest, notched the power-play equalizer, the Stars fifth extra-strength goal of the night.

Brandon Wolframe had a goal and two assists for the victors. Matt Houston scored a pair for the Ice Dogs (3-0-1), with singles going to Troy Williams, Jonathan Philley, Cole Golka and Blake Berg.

Ryan Walsh added a pair for Thunder Bay (1-1-0), who picked up their first win of 2014-15.

The North Stars travel to Fort Frances on Saturday. Their home opener is scheduled for Wednesday night at Fort William Gardens.