By Matt Stefano
After dropping a 7-6 decision in a shootout to the Soo Eagles back on Sunday afternoon in Sault, Ontario, the Soo Thunderbirds were back in action on Friday night for their second straight home game as they took on Blind River Beavers at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Friday night’s game also marked the return of Thunderbirds forwards Russell Oldham and Ethan Novello, who were both out for 14 straight games due to injuries.
Despite outshooting the Beavers 30-18 overall, the Thunderbirds fell to the Beavers by a score of 5-0 on Friday night at the John Rhodes.
The Beavers took a 4-0 lead after the first period, getting goals from Joel Martin, Alex Tingay (power play) and a pair from Hayden Webster.
Jesse Dupuis then made the score 5-0 for the Beavers at 15:02 mark of the third period, with his 6th goal of the season.
Dupuis, who scored the Beavers fifth goal on Friday night, finished the game with one goal and one assist, giving him his second straight two-point game.
Beavers assistant captain Caleb Minns led the way offensively for his club on Friday night, setting up three goals while forward Trevor Zimmer also got on the scoresheet with two helpers.
Ethan Pegg, Jackson Barnes and newly acquired forward Kyle Caron all chipped in with one assist each for the Beavers.
Thunderbirds goaltender Noah Metivier gave up 5 goals on 18 shots in the loss while Beavers netminder Eric Clark made 30 saves for his first NOJHL win and shutout.
The Thunderbirds will now be back in action for their third straight home game on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., when they take on the Espanola Express at the John Rhodes.
MOVING UP IN THE COUNTRY
After being ranked No. 13 in the CJHL Top 20 Weekly Rankings one week ago, the Soo Thunderbirds ended up moving up four spots this week, and are now currently ranked No. 9 in all of Canada.
The Thunderbirds, who are ranked No. 9 in this week’s CJHL Top 20 Weekly Rankings , are just one of four NOJHL teams that received national recognition this week.
The other NOJHL teams that received national recognition this week, are the Timmins Rock (No. 5), Powassan Voodoos (No. 13) and the Hearst Lumberjacks (Honourable Mention).
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)
