Stephney, McDonald and Bellini lead Thunderbirds past Express

By Matt Stefano

After defeating the Elliot Lake Wildcats 6-5 in overtime on Saturday night in Elliot Lake and extending their winning streak to seven games, the Soo Thunderbirds were back in action less than twenty four hours later as they were in Espanola for a Sunday afternoon matchup against the last place Express.

The Thunderbirds, who entered Sunday afternoon’s game with twenty one wins on the season, were also looking to become the first team in the NOJHL to hit twenty two wins this year.

The Thunderbirds picked up their twenty second win and extended their winning streak to eight games on Sunday afternoon, as they defeated the Espanola Express by a score of 7-5 at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.

It was also the fourth time this season that the Thunderbirds scored seven times in a single game.

Gage Stephney and Steven Bellini had a power play goal and two assists each for the Thunderbirds while Noah Boman and Nick Smith had a goal and an assist each.

Captain Kaidan McDonald had a pair of goals for the Thunderbirds, including one shorthanded tally.

McDonald also had one assist to give him a three point afternoon.

Thunderbirds defenceman Max Techel set up two goals for his first career multi point game.

Tanner Mayne had one goal for the Thunderbirds while Jonathan Mackin, Tristan Cicchello, Avery Rebek, Nate Medaglia and Nolan Ford all chipped in with one assist each.

Lukas Lyszyk led the way offensively for the Express with a goal and two assists while Zachary Matyasik (power play), Diego Pasula and Chase Lammi all had a goal each.

Jacob Doucette, Hunter Halcrow, Mitchell Lee, Bret McInall, Matais Salem, Matthew Reynolds and Colin McGuire all had an assist each for the Express.

Thunderbirds goaltender William Anderson made twenty eight saves for the victory while Express netminder Joel Rainville gave up seven goals on thirty two shots in the loss.

The Thunderbirds will now be in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan this Friday for the first game of a home and home series against the Soo Eagles.

WordPress Image Lightbox Plugin