By Matt Stefano
Giving up a power play goal can hurt.
Especially if it’s in overtime.
On Wednesday night, the Soo Thunderbirds dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime against the Soo Eagles at the Pullar Stadium in Soo Michigan.
Jack Mortson’s power play goal just 1:01 into overtime from Dylan Bachalo and Isaiah Gagerman proved to the the game-winner.
“The Eagles moved the puck around well in our zone as they had one more man on the ice than we did,” said Thunderbirds rookie forward Cooper Foster, who was playing in his second straight game tonight since returning from the Ottawa 67’s. “Their (Soo Eagles) players made a nice cross-ice pass and Mortson shot it just under the bar which got past Noah (Metiver).”
After a scoreless opening period, it would be the Thunderbirds getting on the board first at the 15:59 mark of the second, courtesy of Cooper Foster’s 7th goal of the season on the power play from Tyson Doucette and Brock Santa Maria, which put the Thunderbirds up 1-0.
Foster, who opened the scoring for the Thunderbirds on Wednesday night, also extended his goal-scoring streak to two games for the second time this season.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native has now scored in back to back games with the Thunderbirds since returning from the Ottawa 67’s.
“Being in Ottawa has helped become a faster player and it’s also helped me play against bigger players,” Foster said. “Now that I’m back with the Thunderbirds, I feel like I’ve gained more confidence with the puck as the game is a bit slower at this level.”
Despite Wednesday night’s overtime loss against the Eagles, the Thunderbirds have still extended their point streak to seven straight games and have not lost a game in regulation time since November 14.
“Our team (Soo Thunderbirds) is on a hot streak and everyone is playing together and they’re making good plays to set me up,” Foster said.
With the Thunderbirds leading the Eagles 1-0 after forty minutes of play, it would then be the Eagles tying things up just 3:33 into the third period, courtesy of Seth Ferguson’s 9th tally of the season from Marc LaFrance and Coleman McDonagh, which tied the game up at one heading into overtime.
McDonagh, who drew an assist on Ferguson’s goal, also gave himself his first career NOJHL point in his NOJHL debut with the Eagles.
“In the third period, we let our foot of the gas a bit and we didn’t stick to our game,” Foster said.
Thunderbirds netminder Noah Metiver gave up 2 goals on 30 shots in the loss while Eagles goaltender Gabe Rosek made 35 saves for the victory.
The Thunderbirds, who played as the home team against the Soo Eagles on Wednesday night in Soo Michigan, will now be back in action for a rematch against the very same team (Soo Eagles) at the very same place (Pullar Stadium) on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
Friday night’s game in Soo Michigan game will also mark an away game for the Soo Thunderbirds, before they head into their holiday break.
FACT
The last time the Soo Thunderbirds played a home game against the Soo Eagles at the Pullar Stadium, was back on February 15, 2016, which was a game that was held that year on Family Day.
100 GAMES FOR SANTA
Wednesday night’s game in Soo Michigan marked a milestone for Soo Thunderbirds captain Brock Santa Maria.
On Wednesday night, Santa Maria suited up for his 100th career NOJHL game.
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)
