By Matt Stefano
It’s the final game before Halloween!
The Soo Thunderbirds will be back on home ice tonight for their final game of the month of October as they will take on the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
The T-Birds are entering tonight’s game with a record of 10 wins, 7 losses and 1 shootout loss, good for 21 points and are currently in 3rd place in the NOJHL’s West Division standings.
The Soo is also coming off a 4-2 victory over the Elliot Lake Red Wings last night at Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake.
The Gold Miners, meanwhile, are entering tonight’s game sitting last overall in the NOJHL’s 12-team loop with a record of 2 wins, 14 losses and 1 overtime loss, good for only 5 points.
Kirkland Lake is also coming into tonight’s game on a 4-game losing streak, following a 9-3 loss to the Soo Eagles last night in Soo Michigan.
LAST SEASON
In two meetings against the Gold Miners last season, the Thunderbirds beat them both times while outscoring them 5-1 overall.
During the regular season series against the Gold Miners last season, Thunderbirds forward Dharan Cap led the way offensively with 3 points, including 1 goal and 2 assists.
SUPER DAN
When you look at forward Dan Beaupre’s stats, it appears he loves to score goals against the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners!
Before coming over to the Thunderbirds in a trade from the Timmins Rock back on September 19, Beaupre had 3 goals in 5 games as a member of the Rock this season, and 2 of his goals were also scored against the Kirkland Gold Miners.
In 21 games played with the Rock last season, Beaupre also found the back of the net 5 times, including 4 against the Gold Miners.
Beaupre, who has already skated in 8 games with the Soo Thunderbirds this season, will face the Gold Miners tonight for the first time as a member of the Thunderbirds.
OH, MCDONALD
After putting up 11 goals and 26 points in 47 games during his rookie season with the Gold Miners last season, second-year forward Alex McDonald has so far had a strong start here in 2022-2023.
McDonald is currenlty leading the Gold Miners in scoring this season with 2 goals and 11 points in 17 games played.
HE’S GOT THE POWER
When it comes to scoring on the power play, Thunderbirds rookie forward Jackson Truchan has been the best rookie in the NOJHL to get the job done.
Truchan, who has 4 power play goals this season, is currenlty leading all NOJHL rookies in power play goals so far.
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)
