By Matt Stefano
Tonight the Soo Thunderbirds will take on the NOJHL’s newest franchise, the Hearst Lumberjacks at 7:30 from the John Rhodes.
The Thunderbirds, who gave up the least goals against (36) in the NOJHL to date, will face a Lumberjacks team that surrendered the least goals against (41) in the East Division.
HEAD TO HEAD
These two clubs played each other twice this season, with Hearst winning first and the Soo winning the second.
The Thunderbirds dropped a 2-0 decision in their season opening game against the Lumberjacks at Claude Larose Arena back on September 8th.
Bradley Golant led the way with a goal and an assist while Artem Bortovskiy stopped all 30 shots for the Lumberjacks win.
That was also the Thunderbirds first season opener loss in six seasons.
On October 10th at the NOJHL Showcase in Sudbury, the Soo defeated the Lumberjacks 3-2 at the Countryside Sports Complex.
Saginaw Spirit prospect Camaryn Baber scored twice while Tyler Malpass recorded a goal and an assist.
PINK IN THE RINK
Tonight the Thunderbirds will be wearing pink jerseys as they will be hosting their “Pink In The Rink” night to help support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
A ceremonial puck drop will take place prior to the game to honour breast cancer survivor Roberta Bougeois.
Algoma Breast Cancer Support Group facilitators Carolyn Ouellette and Bernadette Merritt are also expected to be introduced at centre ice tonight along with Soo Thunderbirds Director Andrea Hill.
BELLINI ON THE BLUELINE
Thunderbirds first year defenceman Steven Bellini is 20th among league blue-liners in points (8).
The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario product is also on a three-game point scoring streak, with 7 assists in his last 3 games.
