By Matt Stefano
It wasn’t the end result you would usually see in a hockey game, but on Sunday night, the Soo Thunderbirds managed to pick up one point on Essar Centre ice as they skated to a 0-0 tie against the Elliot Lake Wildcats.
Both teams headed into Sunday night’s action on winning streaks, with the T-Birds winning three straight while the Elliot Lake Wildcats came in with four wins in a row.
“I felt as a team we played a good game. We just couldn’t get that bounce to get one in to get a goal,” said T-Birds goaltender Brandon Gordon.
Gordon, who turned aside all 20 shots directed his way, also picked up his eighth career shutout, which set the new Soo Thunderbirds record for most career shutouts, passing former T-Birds goaltender and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Frank Novello (1999-2001), who held the previous record with seven career shutouts.
“It feels good and it’s an honour. I just try to give my team a chance to win every night and if I’m rewarded with the shutout, it’s a bonus,” continued the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan product.
With the 0-0 tie on Sunday night, the T-Birds have now extended their unbeaten streak to four games.
“At this point in the season, every point counts because we want home ice advantage during the playoffs. We play Blind River Wednesday and that’s going to be another tough test. Then we go to Elliot Lake Friday, so every game is going to be tough,” concluded Gordon.
Wildcats goaltender Justin Richer made 39 saves for his second shutout of the season.
Sunday night also marked the T-Birds first ever 0-0 game.
Next game for the T-Birds is Wednesday, February 1st at 7:00 p.m. vs the Blind River Beavers at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
All Minor and Peewee hockey players both male and female from any city can enter the game for free if they wear their team jersey or jacket.
(Photo credit to James Egan’s Sports Photography)
