The Kam River Fighting Walleye and the Dryden GM Ice Dogs have won the first games in the semifinal round in the SIJHL playoffs.

The Walleye downed their cross-city rivals, the Thunder Bay North Stars Friday night 5-3.

Forward of the Year, Jett Mintenko had a pair of goals in that game to lead the Walleye.

The Ice Dogs meanwhile, doubled up the Red Lake Miners 6-3.

Max Roby led the way offensively for the Ice Dogs with two goals and two assists.

Kam River and the North Stars will do battle again Saturday night, while the Ice Dogs will face the Miners in game two of that series Sunday.