By Matt Stefano
After taking over first place in the NOJHL standings following a 4-2 victory over the Cochrane Crunch on Sunday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre, the Soo Thunderbirds were in Sudbury on Tuesday afternoon to take part in the second annual NOJHL Showcase, which was being held at the Countryside Sports Complex.
The Thunderbirds, who entered Tuesday afternoon with a record of 8 wins, 3 losses, and 1 overtime loss, took on the Herbst Lumberjacks, who surrendered the least goals against in the NOJHL this season, with 10.
Rookie forward Camaryn Baber recorded his first career two-goal game, which included a power play tally, to help lead the Thunderbirds to a 3-2 victory over the Hearst Lumberjacks, along with snapping the Lumberjacks three-game winning streak.
Forward Tyler Malpass also had his first multi point game as a Soo Thunderbird, recording a goal and an assist.
Nolan Ford, Tristan Cicchello, Ryan Mulligan and Ryan Lawrence all recorded an assist each for the Thunderbirds.
Max Griffioen and Spencer Silver had the goals for the Lumberjacks while Shadow Reuben, Samuel Bourdages and Wade Auger all had an assist each.
Artem Bortovskiy gave up 3 goals on 25 shots in the Lumberjacks loss while Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon made 20 stops for the victory.
The Thunderbirds will now look for their 10th win of the season tomorrow afternoon as they will conclude the NOJHL Showcase at 1:45 p.m. against the Cochrane Crunch at the Countryside Sports Complex in Sudbury.
(Photo of Camaryn Baber credit to Jim Egan)
