The Dryden GM Ice Dogs took a major step in their quest for first in the SIJHL standings Thursday night with a 2-1 win over English River.
Malcolm Huemmert banged in a third period rebound and Jacob Gnidziejko made several huge saves late to secure the win.
Kris Hamlin opened the scoring for the Ice Dogs, but Spencer Milne responded two minutes later to tie.
Gnidziejko finished with 28-saves, 13 in the final period.
Michael Lenko stopped 34-shots for the Miners.
That sets up a Friday showdown for top spot.
Dryden GM can clinch with a road win in Fort Frances and a Thief River Falls loss in Thunder Bay.
English River will now rest before opening the Quarter-Final at home next Wednesday against Fort Frances.
