Baber leads Thunderbirds past Voodoos

By Matt Stefano

Following a suspended game last night in Kirkland Lake due to a carbon monoxide leak at the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex during the second period, the Soo Thunderbirds played their first full game of the New Year on Saturday night as they made their only visit of the regular season to the Powassan Sportsplex to take on the Powassan Voodoos.

The Thunderbirds, who entered the night sitting in second place in the NOJHL with 51 points, sat only 8 points behind the first place Voodoos.

Saturday night was not only a battle of the top two teams in the NOJHL, but the Thunderbirds also took on forward Nicolas Case for the first time since trading him to the Voodoos back on Remembrance Day.

The Thunderbirds got three goals thanks to a pair of rookies on Saturday night as they defeated the Powassan Voodoos 3-1 at the Powassan Sportsplex and have snapped the Voodoos four game winning streak.

Saginaw Spirit prospect Camaryn Baber recorded his second two goal game of the season while Lucas Theriault scored the game winner.

Alex Acosta and Nick Smith had an assist each for the Thunderbirds.

Toronto, Ontario native Brandon MacKinnon, who was acquired by the Voodoos from the OJHL’s Stouffville Spirit at the end of November, had the lone goal for Powassan.

Tomas Yachmenev and Shane Beaulieu had an assist each for the Voodoos.

Goaltender Brandon Gordon, who turns 21 years old on Sunday, made 37 stops for the Thunderbirds victory while Julian Galloway gave up 3 goals on 35 shots in the Voodoos loss.

The Thunderbirds will conclude their three game road trip on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. when they take on the French River Rapids at Noelville Arena.

ALUMNI NEWS

This past Friday, Soo Thunderbird alumnus and current Soo Greyhounds forward Boris Katchouk helped Team Canada capture a gold medal in a 3-1 victory over Team Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Buffalo, New York.

Katchouk finished the tournament with 3 goals and 6 points.

(Photo of Camaryn Baber credit to Jim Egan)

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