By Matt Stefano
Since coming over in a trade with the Powassan Voodoos back on Remembrance Day, Mark Tassone has averaged over a point per game with the Soo Thunderbirds.
On Thursday night in a road game against the Rayside Balfour Canadians, Tassone scored a pair of goals, including once on the power play to lead the Thunderbirds to 3-2 victory at Chelmsford Arena.
Tassone’s two goal performance has now given him 4 goals and 8 points in just 5 games played with the Thunderbirds this season.
Rookie defenceman Tristan Cicchello scored his second goal of the season at the 3:05 mark of the second period, which proved to be the game winner.
Nick Smith, Austin Heinrich, Camaryn Baber, Steven Bellini, Brendan Miller and Nolan Ford all chipped in with one assist each for the Thunderbirds.
Andre Frappier and James White had the goals for the Canadians while Taylor Woolcott, Matthew Neault, Jacob Partridge and Evan Krassey all chipped in with an assist each.
Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon made 28 saves for the victory while Mackenzie Savard gave up 3 goals on 32 shots in the Canadians loss.
Not only did the Thunderbirds pick up their third consecutive victory on Thursday night, but they also gave the Canadians their second loss on home ice this season.
The Thunderbirds, who have now improved their record to 17 wins, 7 losses and 2 overtime losses, have now moved one point ahead of the Blind River Beavers for first spot in the NOJHL’s West Division.
The Thunderbirds will now conclude the month of November this Sunday when they visit the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex for a matchup against the Espanola Express at 2:00 p.m.
(Photo of Mark Tassone credit to Jim Egan)