The Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks picked up three more wins on the weekend and at the same time, took over first place in the GMHL standings.

On Friday night, the Lumberjacks continued their strong play on home ice with a 7-4 win over the Algoma Avalanche.

Atte Koopikka, Illes Gallo each had a goal and two assists. Drew Moffat had two goals, and Joel Senecal, Magic Rompowski, Patrick Markert had a goal each for the Jacks.

Despite the win, the Lumberjacks coaches weren't overly impressed with the clubs play.  Assistant coach Justin Harvey said the club has to be more disciplined, as three of Algoma's four goals came with the man advantage.

Finnish goaltender Juho Rappanna made his first start of the season, turning aside 54 shots to earn the win.  Two of the Lumberjacks forwards, Anthony Trozzo and David Amnas, were forced to leave the game with possible concussions.

The Jacks won their fifth straight defeating the Shelburne Red Wings 9-6 on Saturday night. 

Sturgeon Falls native Joel Senecal led the way with 3 goals and 2 assists in the win. Illes Gallo (2), Darnell Koosees (2), Magic Rompkowski, Casey Restoule, Drew Moffatt and Atte Koopikka also scored for the Jacks.  Henry Rubey earned the win in net, stopping 18 of 24 shots sent his way.

Coach Lui Ricci expressed a need that his team be prepared to play every game.  "Teams know Sturgeon is good this year, and they are coming for us," he said.

On Sunday, the Lumberjacks took Highway 17 East to take on the Voyageurs in Mattawa.  The Jacks walked away with a 6-3 victory.  Goal scorers are not yet available.

The Lumberjacks hit the road this week with a Monday night tilt with the Orangeville Americans and a Thursday night affair with the Algoma Avalanche before returning home to take on the Lefroy Wave on Saturday night.

Sturgeon Falls Staff