By Matt Stefano
With 29 wins on the season, the Soo Thunderbirds are hoping to grab their 30th victory tonight when they take on the Soo Eagles at the John Rhodes Community Centre at 7:00 p.m.
The Thunderbirds enter tonight’s game with a record of 29 wins, 17 losses, 2 overtime losses and 4 shootout losses, good for 64 points and third place in the NOJHL’s West Division.
The Eagles currently have a record of 27 wins, 21 losses, 2 overtime losses and 3 shootout losses, good for 59 points and third in the West.
IN THEIR LAST MEETING
The last time these two clubs met was back on Saturday, January 25th, when the Thunderbirds defeated the Eagles by a score of 7-5 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Soo Greyhounds 2019 eleventh round pick Tyler Savard led the way offensively for the Thunderbirds with 2 goals and 1 assist while goaltender Sam Evola made 26 saves for the victory.
YOUNG BLOOD
Thunderbirds rookie defenceman Warner Young currently leads all NOJHL rookie blueliners in scoring with 31 points in 49 games.
He also leads all NOJHL rookie defencemen in assists with 28.
Young, who recorded his 28th assist back on February 8th, tied the Thunderbirds record for most assists in a single season by a rookie defenceman, joining Barnabas Birkeland (2003) and Steven Bellini (2018).
The Newberry, Michigan native is also the first Thunderbird rookie defenceman to record 30 points in a regular season since Caleb Boman did back in 2014-2015.
KOVACS LEADING THE WAY
Yes, he’s the youngest player on the team.
But he’s still leading the team in scoring!
Thunderbirds rookie forward Jake Kovacs currently leads the club in scoring with 26 points and 52 points in 51 games.
The 16 year old is the first Thunderbird rookie to record 50 points in a regular season since Nic Sicoly did back in 2014-2015.
LIVING IN AMERICA
The Soo Eagles have two Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario natives on their roster, including Caleb Wood and Jacob Bumbacco.
(This Thunderbirds game preview is sponsored by Giovanni’s Restaurant)
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)
