By Matt Stefano
Tonight the Thunderbirds will conclude their three-game home stand at 7:30 p.m. against the Elliot Lake Wildcats at the John Rhodes.
The Thunderbirds, who are coming off a big 5-2 victory over the Rayside Balfour Canadians last night, will take on an Elliot Lake team, who are winners of three straight.
HEAD TO HEAD
So far in three meetings this season, the Thunderbirds have 2 wins and 1 double overtime loss against the Wildcats.
In their first meeting of the season at the John Rhodes back on October 7th, the Thunderbirds blanked the Wildcats 3-0.
Rookie goaltender Eric Schuch made 29 stops to pick up his first of career NOJHL shutout.
Then, eight days later, in their second meeting of the season on October 15th at the John Rhodes, the Thunderbirds scored 8 times, including 4 on the power play to double up on the Wildcats 8-4.
Tyler Malpass and Braden Robbins led the way with a goal and three assists each while Eric Schuch made 24 stops for the victory.
In their third meeting of the season, which took place at Centennial Arena last Sunday, the Thunderbirds dropped a 4-3 double overtime decision to the Wildcats.
Ryan Burlington scored the goal in double overtime and added an assist to lead the Wildcats to the victory.
Brendan Miller and Mark Tassone had two assists each that night for the Thunderbirds.
LEAGUE LEADERS
Heading into tonight’s game, Thunderbirds forward Nick Smith currently leads the NOJHL in game winning goals (5).
Smith is also tied for first in opening goals of a game (5) with Nick Techel (Soo Eagles) and Caleb Serre (Blind River Beavers).
