By Matt Stefano
After dropping a 4-1 decision to the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners last night at the Joe Mavrinac Community Centre in Kirkland Lake, the Soo Thunderbirds were looking to get back on the winning track twenty four hours later as they made a visit to Powassan on Saturday to take on the Voodoos.
The Thunderbirds found the back of the net six times on forty eight shots on Saturday night in Powassan, as they defeated the Voodoos by a score of 6-4 at the Powassan Sportsplex.
Nick Smith led the way offensively for the Thunderbirds with a shorthanded goal and three assists while Matthew Bazarin and Lucas Theriault had a power play goal and an assist each.
NOJHL’s top scoring defenceman Steven Bellini also had a big night offensively for the Thunderbirds with a pair of assists while forward Noah Boman scored the game winner and set up another.
Brady Caruso and Spencer Van Tiem had the other goals for the Thunderbirds while Cam Findlay, Tristan Cicchello and Nolan Ford all chipped in with one assist each.
Carson Lux, Cade Herd, David Campbell and Max Newnam had the goals for the Voodoos.
Henry Scott, Gabienen Kioki and Joe Whittet had two assists each for the Voodoos while Seiji Martone and Matthew MacDougall also got on the scoresheet with one helper each.
Thunderbirds goaltender Colin Ahern made twenty five saves for the victory.
Voodoos netminder Joe Vrbetic gave up three goals on eleven shots in the opening 7:02 of the first period, before being replaced in net by Christian Cicigoi, who then gave up three goals on thirty seven shots the rest of the way.
With the win, the Thunderbirds have now improved their record to 27 wins, 9 losses and 1 shootout loss, good for 55 points.
Their 55 points now moves them into sole possession of first place in the NOJHL standings, passing the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (53).
The Thunderbirds will be back in action on Sunday afternoon in French River for their second and final meeting of the regular season against the Rapids.
Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m. at Noelville Arena.
(Photo of Nick Smith credit to Rod Aubertin/www.ssmphotos.com)
