By Matt Stefano
A series is not over until it’s over!
That’s what the Soo Thunderbirds have proved so far in this NOJHL West Division semifinal series against the Soo Eagles.
After picking up a big 3-0 victory in game 5 last Saturday at the John Rhodes Community Centre and cutting the series lead to 3-2, the Soo Thunderbirds were hoping to keep their season alive this time in front of the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan faithful on Monday night at the Pullar Stadium.
On Monday night, the Soo Thunderbirds tied the best of seven series up at three games apiece as they held on to defeat the Soo Eagles 2-1 in game 6 of the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series.
Eagles forward Jake Lamberty got the first goal of the game at the 7:15 mark of the second period, giving his club a 1-0 lead.
Kellen Tharaldson and Jacob Palmerio had the assists on Lamberty’s first tally of the postseason.
Barrie, Ontario product Tanner Mayne would get his first career playoff goal at the 9:18 mark of the second period from Brendan Miller, tying the game up at one.
Then, with just 7 seconds to go in the middle frame, it would be Soo Greyhounds 2017 3rd round pick Robert Calisti getting his first career playoff tally, which proved to be the game winner for the Thunderbirds.
Thunderbirds goaltender Eric Schuch, who picked up his first career playoff shutout and win in game 5 last Saturday at the Rhodes, made 28 saves for his second straight win in game 6 on Monday night at the Pullar Stadium.
Eagles goaltender Carter McPhail gave up 2 goals on 33 shots in the loss.
The Thunderbirds will now return to the John Rhodes Community Centre on Wednesday night for game 7 of the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series.
Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.
(Photo of Robert Calisti credit to Jim Egan)
