By Matt Stefano
They both have the same number of wins and losses.
They both have the same number of goals and points.
And now tonight, they will both be battling it out for position.
Tonight is a battle for second place in the NOJHL’s West Division as your Soo Thunderbirds will take on the Blind River Beavers at 7:00 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Thunderbirds and Beavers are both entering tonight’s game sitting tied for second place in the NOJHL’s West Division with identical 28-10-2-2 records.
Both teams are also tied for the second most goals in the NOJHL’s West Division, with 157 each.
HEAD TO HEAD
In seven meetings against the Beavers so far this season, the Thunderbirds have defeated them five times and have lost to them twice, including once in overtime.
The Birds have also outscored the Beavers 24-15 overall.
During this regular season series against the Beavers, T-Birds leading scorer Dharan Cap has led the way offensively with 3 goals and 7 points.
MAN OH MANOV
The last time the T-Birds and the Beavers met, was back on Wednesday, January 11, when the Beavers defeated the T-Birds by a score of 5-4 at the John Rhodes.
During that game, Beavers defenceman Andrey Manov scored his first career goal at the 16:44 mark of the third period, which proved to be the game-winner.
Manov also recorded an assist that night for his first career two-point-game.
Since January 11, Manov has recorded 1 goal and 4 assists in his last 6 games played.
RANON GETS RECOGNIZED
After putting up 18 points in his first 9 games played with the Soo Thunderbirds during the month of January, Soo Thunderbirds defenceman Ranon Joseph has been named the NOJHL’s Defenceman of the Month (For January).
Joseph, who has been named the NOJHL’s Defenceman of the Month for January, has recorded at least one point in all nine of his games played with the Soo Thunderbirds this season.
The Sherwood, Alberta native is also currently sitting third among all T-Bird blueliners in scoring.
ONE MORE FOR ROAD?
The Beavers, who are entering tonight’s game tied with the T-Birds for second place in the West Division, are also entering tonight’s game with five straight wins on the road.
The Beavers picked up their fifth straight road win back on Sunday, January 22, in a 7-2 victory over the Espanola Paper Kings in Espanola.
Another road win by the Beavers tonight would set their franchise record for their longest road-winning streak during a regular season.
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)
