By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Rayside Balfour Canadians by a score of 2-1 in overtime back on Sunday night at Chelmsford Arena, the Soo Thunderbirds were back on John Rhodes ice on Friday night for the second game of the home and home series against the Canadians.
The Thunderbirds also entered Friday night’s game as the hottest team in the NOJHL’s West Division, winners of four straight.
After leading by a score of 2-1 through forty minutes of action, the Thunderbirds would then give up two goals in the third period as they ended up falling short to the Canadians by a score of 3-2 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Canadians defenceman Zachary Snow scored his first career game winning goal and added an assist while forward Ben Hatanaka also had a two point night with a goal and an assist.
Christopher Clark had the other goal for the Canadians.
Sudbury, Ontario native Mitchell Martin had a multi point night for the Canadians, setting up two assists while Brady Maltais and Oliver Smith both got on the scoresheet with one assist each.
Birthday boy MacKenzie Walkington and co-captain Nick Smith had a power play goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds while Flint Firebirds 2019 third round pick Tyler Dunbar also got on the scoresheet with one assist.
Thunderbirds netminder Colin Ahern gave up 3 goals on 38 shots in the loss while Canadians goaltender David Bowen made 26 saves for the victory.
The Thunderbirds will now travel to Espanola tomorrow to take on the Express at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.
Puck drop is 7:00 p.m.
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)
