By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Elliot Lake Wildcats 2-1 Tuesday evening on Day 1 of the NOJHL Showcase, the Soo Thunderbirds were looking to win their second straight game Wednesday afternoon on the second and final day of the NOJHL Showcase.
Wednesday afternoon marked a home game for the Soo Thunderbirds as they took on the Espanola Express at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex in Sudbury.
The T-Birds won their second straight game, defeating the Express 4-3.
T-Birds defenceman and assistant captain Jake Behse got his first career multi goal game with a pair of goals.
Behse’s two goal performance on Wednesday afternoon, gave him a total of four goals on the season, tying his career-high goals total from one season ago.
Gage Stephney, who has been goalless in his last ten games, found the back of the net once and assisted on another.
T-Birds overage forward Ryan Waterhouse notched his first career shorthanded goal while Mike Winn, Zach Senecal, Brendan Jay and Austin Kozluk all recorded an assist each.
Nate Viberg led the way offensively for the Express with two goals while Dominik Lavergne found the back of the net once.
Jeb Paulsen, Connor Tessier, Aaron Roschinsky and Patrick Smith all recorded an assist each.
Soo Greyhounds prospect Doug Newhouse made 21 saves for the T-Birds win.
Express goalie Logan Sawka, who gave up 4 goals on 24 shots, would be replaced by Kyle Alaverdy, who made 8 saves the rest of the game.
The T-Birds will return to the Essar Centre on Monday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. for a rematch against the Espanola Express.
Monday night’s game will also mark the T-Birds final home game for the month of October.
Ticket prices:
Adult: $12.00
Senior: $10.00
Student: $8.00
Kids ages 8-12: $3.00
Kids under 8: FREE
(Photo of Jake Behse credit to James Egan’s Sports Photography)