By Matt Stefano
On Tuesday afternoon, the Soo Thunderbirds were in action at the Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan as they took part in the 4th annual NOJHL Showcase.
The Thunderbirds opponent on day one of this two-day event was the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.
The Soo scored eight times for the second time in three games on Tuesday afternoon as they hammered the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners by a score of 8-3 at the Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Forward Matthew Bazarin had a natural hat trick in the second period for the Thunderbirds, which marked his second career hat trick.
The Roseneath, Ontario product also became the first player in Thunderbirds history to record a hat trick at the NOJHL Showcase.
Rookie forward and Soo Greyhounds prospect Tyler Savard also had a three-point afternoon for the Thunderbirds, setting up three goals.
MacKenzie Walkington had a pair of goals for the Soo while Jake Kovacs scored once and set up another.
Thunderbirds defenceman Warner Young also had a multi point game, setting up two goals.
Cooper Smyl and Daniel Bazarin had the other goals for the Soo while Orrin Grangroth, Chase MacIntyre, Colton Hayes, Tristan Cicchello, Brock Santa Maria, Will Josephson and Kurtis Rogers all chipped in with one assist each.
Caledonia, Ontario native Landis Antonic led the way offensively for the Gold Miners with two goals, including one shorthanded along with adding an assist for a three-point afternoon.
Gold Miners defenceman Lucas Branch had a goal and an assist while Spencer Jones, Cameron Neaylon, Camille Marcoux and Max Newnam all set up one goal each.
Kyle McNair, who got the start in net for Kirkland Lake on Tuesday afternoon, gave up 5 goals on 22 shots before being replaced in net by Kohl Reddy, who then gave up 3 goals on 16 shots the rest of the way.
Thunderbirds netminder Colin Ahern made 22 saves for the victory.
The Soo will play their final game of the NOJHL Showcase on Wednesday night against the Cochrane Crunch at the Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m.
(Photo by Bob Davies)
