By Matt Stefano
The Soo Thunderbirds have not lost two straight home games since the 2014-2015 season, but after falling 3-2 to the Blind River Beavers at the Essar Centre on Wednesday night, the Soo dropped their second consecutive home game on Saturday night, losing 4-2 to the Powassan Voodoos, who currently sit second in Canada.
This marked the Voodoos first win after having their 26 game unbeaten streak snapped in Sault, Michigan on Friday night, losing 4-1 to the Soo Eagles at Pullar Stadium.
“There was just a couple of breakdowns and the one power play that they’ve scored, but other than that we played tough five on five. We just have to bounce back when we go to Espanola tomorrow and we’ll build on that,” said T-Birds forward Zach Senecal, who set up both goals for the Soo.
Powassan went one for five on their man advantage.
The T-Birds, who went one for eight on the man advantage, got a power play goal from captain Matt Caruso at 8:52 of the second, which tied the game at one.
“That goalie out there is a good goalie,” Senecal said of Powassan goaltender Nate McDonald. “I think we just needed to capitalize on our power plays.”
Caruso, who had the tying goal on the power play at 8:52 of the middle frame, also added an assist for a two point night.
Overage forward Austin Kozluk also had a two point night for the T-Birds, scoring once and setting up another.
Voodoos forward Tyson Gilmour, who is the son of former NHL star Doug Gilmour, earned first star of the game with a goal and two assists.
Ryan Theriault had a power play goal and an assist for the Voodoos while Parker Bowman and Brett Hahkala had a goal each.
Andy Baker, Kyle Challis and Dayton Murray all recorded an assist each for the Voodoos.
Voodoos goaltender Nate McDonald, who now leads the NOJHL in wins (21), made 29 saves for the win.
Brandon Gordon gave up 4 goals on 25 shots in the T-Birds second straight loss.
The Soo will now travel to Espanola on Sunday to take on the Express at 2:00 p.m. at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.
(Photo credit to James Egan’s Sports Photography)
