By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Blind River Beavers by a score of 3-2 this past Sunday afternoon in Blind River, the Soo Thunderbirds made the trip to Elliot Lake for their final road game of the month of February on Thursday night as they took on the Elliot Lake Wildcats at Centennial Arena.
Thursday night’s game also marked the 100th career game for Soo Thunderbirds forward Nolan Ford.
The Thunderbirds picked up their 39th victory of the season on Thursday night in Elliot Lake as they defeated the Wildcats by a score of 4-2.
Thunderbirds captain Kaidan McDonald led the way offensively with three goals, including one on the power play, along with setting up another.
McDonald’s there goal performance, gave him his first NOJHL hat trick.
Niagara IceDogs prospect Lucas Theriault scored the game winning goal for the Thunderbirds and added an assist for a two-point night.
Theriault’s game winning goal, gave him his league leading seventh game winning goal of the season.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan product Brendan Miller set up three goals for the Thunderbirds on Thursday night while Birmingham, Michigan native Spencer Van Tiem also had a big night offensively, setting up two goals.
Thunderbirds defenceman Tristan Cicchello also got on the scoresheet with one assist.
Eric Conely had both goals for the Wildcats on Thursday night while Noah Minns also had a two-point game, setting up a pair of goals.
Caleb Minns and Tanner Hicks had the other assists for the Wildcats.
Wildcats goaltender Zion Miceli gave up four goals on forty one shots in the loss while Thunderbirds netminder William Anderson made thirty one saves for the victory.
The Thunderbirds will now look to hit the 40-win plateau for the fourth time in franchise history on Friday night, when they take on the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners at 7:00 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
NOTE
For Friday night’s game, fans are asked to be in their seats before 7:00 p.m. as the Thunderbirds will honour their former captain and all-time leading scorer Jerry Petingalo, who will have his No. 9 raised to the rafters.
(Photo by Rod Aubertin/www.ssmphotos.com)
