By Matt Stefano
After picking up back to back victories over the Blind River Beavers on Friday in the Soo and on Saturday in Blind River, the Soo Thunderbirds closed out their three-game weekend on Sunday night in French River in a make-up game against the Rapids.
Thunderbirds forward Mark Tassone, who recorded one assist in Saturday night’s 3-1 victory in Blind River, entered Sunday night’s game with 100 career points.
On Sunday night, the Thunderbirds made it a perfect weekend, picking up six out of a possible six points as they defeated the French River Rapids 5-4 at Noelville Arena.
The Thunderbirds went 4 for 9 on the power play while going a perfect 4 for 4 on the penalty kill.
Captain Noah Solinger had a goal and an assist for the Thunderbirds while Mark Tassone also had a multi point night with two assists.
Tanner Mayne, Camaryn Baber, Nick Smith and Alex Acosta all recorded a power play goal each for the Thunderbirds while Braden King, Robert Calisti, Steven Bellini, Lucas Theriault, Bradon Caruso all recorded an assist each.
Will Frustaglio, Max Carbone and Stephen Calisti all had a goal and an assist each for the Rapids while Levi Siau also got on the scoresheet with one goal.
Spencer Dupuis, Donny Schultz, Alex Paul, Adrian Nicholas and Griffin Simpson all recorded an assist each for the Rapids.
Rapids goaltender Andrew Rocha gave up 5 goals on 41 shots in the loss while Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan product Brandon Gordon made 32 saves for his 60th career win.
With the win, the a Thunderbirds have now improved their record to 35 wins, 14 losses, 2 overtime losses and 1 tie and have moved into sole possession of first place in the NOJHL’s West Division, two points ahead of the Rayside Balfour Canadians, a team they will play on the road Thursday night at Chelmsford Arena.
(Photo of Noah Solinger credit to Jim Egan)
