By Matt Stefano
After picking up back to back wins against the Rayside Balfour Canadians on Thursday and Friday, the Soo Thunderbirds played their third game in three nights on Saturday night against their International Bridge rivals, the Soo Eagles.
The Soo Thunderbirds extended their winning streak to 9 games on Saturday night as they defeated the Soo Eagles 3-1 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
All three goals by the Thunderbirds came in the first period.
“We knew going into this game it was a three in three weekend and our legs had to be there. But we just had to be smart and we got off to a good start in the first period and it kept carrying out and we got the win,” said Thunderbirds forward Mark Tassone, who scored twice, including a power play goal.
The line of Mark Tassone (2g 0a), Nick Smith (0g 2a) and Camaryn Baber (0g 2a) combined for 6 points in Saturday night’s win.
“I have to give credit to my linemates. I thought we all played pretty good. We all had some chemistry all three games and we have another two big games next weekend,” concluded Tassone.
Rookie defenceman Nolan Ford had one goal for the Thunderbirds while Noah Solinger and Ryan Lawrence had one assist each.
Kobe Keller’s power play goal at the 9:02 mark of the third period was the only tally for the Soo Eagles.
Owen Kipke and Hayden Clark had an assist each for the Eagles.
Brandon Gordon made 28 stops for the Thunderbirds victory while Eagles goaltender Carter McPhail gave up 3 goals on 29 shots in the loss.
The Thunderbirds will be back in action next Friday against the Blind River Beavers at 7:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
(Photo credit to Rod Aubertin)
