By Matt Stefano
After spending last weekend in Wisconsin to play a pair of exhibition games against NCAA Division 3 teams, the Soo Thunderbirds returned back to NOJHL action on Thursday night as they were in Sudbury to take on the Rayside Balfour Canadians.
On Thursday, the Soo Thunderbirds defeated the Rayside Balfour Canadians by a score of 5-2 at Chelmsford Arena.
Forward Matthew Bazarin led the way offensively for the Thunderbirds, scoring a pair of goals, including one on the power play, along with setting up another.
Rookie forward Avery Rebek scored once and set up another for the Thunderbirds while second year defenceman Steven Bellini also had a multi point game, setting up two goals.
Lucas Theriault and Nick Smith had a power play goal each for the Thunderbirds while Kobe Seguin, Noah Boman, Tyler Malpass, Kaidan McDonald and Nolan Ford all chipped in with one assist each.
Evan Krassey (power play) and Jett Leishmann had a goal each for the Canadians while Ethan Lavallee, Brady Maltais and Matthew Dokis-Dupuis all set up a goal each.
Canadians goaltender David Bowen gave up five goals on thirty nine shots in the loss while Thunderbirds rookie netminder Colin Ahern earned first star of the game, making thirty six saves for the win.
The Thunderbirds will be back at the John Rhodes for two games at home this weekend, beginning on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. against the Hearst Lumberjacks.
(Photo of Matthew Bazarin credit to Rod Aubertin/www.ssmphotos.com)
