By Matt Stefano
Heading into Saturday night’s game on an eight game winning streak, the Soo Thunderbirds were in Kirkland Lake for their third meeting against the Gold Miners. With the Thunderbirds winning both meetings against the Gold Miners this season, 3-2 on October 25th and 3-0 on November 6th, the Soo was looking to go a perfect three for three against this year’s Dudley Hewitt Cup hosts.
With the teams skating scoreless after the first period, it would be Logan Fredericks putting the Gold Miners up 1-0 after two, with Adam Desgagnes and Brett Ouderkirk picking up assists.
A power play goal by Jaren Bellini would tie things up for the T-Birds late in the third period from Matt Caruso to send this game into overtime.
Brandon Stortz power play goal in overtime from Andrew Cordssen-David and Brandon Wolfe was the winner for the Gold Miners as the T-Birds dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Kirkland Lake.
Victor-Oliver Courchesne made 32 saves for the Gold Miners victory while Connor Ryckman, who got his first NOJHL start in net for the T-Birds, gave up 2 goals on 28 shots.
T-Birds conclude their road trip on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in Powassan.
(Photo credit to Rod Aubertin)
