By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Elliot Lake Wildcats 5-2 on November 13th, the Soo Thunderbirds were across the border in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Saturday night and were looking to make it two straight wins in a clash versus the Eagles.
T-Birds goaltender Mario Culina, who was reassigned from the Windsor Spitfires earlier this month got his first start of the season, making 24 saves in a 4-0 win over the Soo Eagles. It also marked Culina’s first shutout of the season and fourth of his NOJHL career.
The Pilon twins, Darian and Drake, led the way for the T-Birds with a goal and an assist while single goals went to defensemen Jake Behse and Matt Busby. Nathan Hebert, Brett Jeffries, Caleb Boman and Zach Senecal all chipped in with assists.
For the T-Birds, it also marked their fifth shutout of the season and second against the Soo Eagles, dating back to October 3rd, when Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan native Brandon Gordon made 19 stops for the T-Birds in a 4-0 win over his hometown at the Essar Centre.
The 5th ranked team in Canada, Soo Thunderbirds, will be in Blind River on Sunday, November 22nd at 3:00 p.m. to take on the Beavers in game 5 of the Provenzano Cup.
