Thunderbirds back at home tonight to take on Voodoos

By Matt Stefano

After picking up a 7-2 victory over the Elliot Lake Red Wings last Saturday in Elliot Lake, the Soo Thunderbirds will now be back on home ice tonight at 7:00 p.m. as they will take on the Powassan Voodoos at the John Rhodes.

The Thunderbirds, who are coming off a 7-2 victory against the Red Wings, are entering tonight’s game sitting in third place in the NOJHL’s West Division with a record of 34 wins, 14 losses, 3 overtime losses and 2 shootout losses, good for 73 points.

The Voodoos, meanwhile, are entering tonight’s game sitting in third place in the NOJHL’s East Division with a record of 36 wins, 16 losses and 1 overtime loss, good for 73 points of their own.

Tonight’s game will also be the second and final meeting of the season between these two teams.

IN THEIR LAST MEETING

The last time these two clubs met, was back on Friday, November 4 in Powassan, when the Thunderbirds fell to the Voodoos by a score of 4-3 in overtime at the Powassan Sportsplex.

During that game, Thunderbirds leading scorer Dharan Cap scored two goals while Thunderbirds top scoring defenceman Brodie McConnell-Baker finished the night with two assists.

Thunderbirds goaltender Kolton Bourret gave up 4 goals on 35 shots in the loss.

E IS AHEAD BY A CENTURY

Last Saturday’s game in Eliot Lake was a milestone game for Thunderbirds forward Ethan “E” Novello, as he suited up in his 100th career NOJHL game.

In 100 career NOJHL games played, “E” has a total of 13 goals, 32 points and 66 penalty minutes.

So far in his NOJHL career, “E” has recorded at least one point against every team in the NOJHL, except for the Powassan Voodoos (Who will be in town tonight).

BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR LITTLE

Tonight’s game at the John Rhodes will be milestone game for Powassan Voodoos defenceman Alex Little, as he will be suiting up for his 100th career NOJHL game.

Little, who will suit up in his 100th career game tonight, is currently leading the Voodoos in scoring this season with 20 goals and 55 points through 49 games played.

The Minden, Ontario native is also the all-time leader for most goals and points by a Voodoo defenceman in a single season.

POST SECONDARY BOUND

So far this season, the Powassan Voodoos have a total of four players on their team who have committed to college or university hockey for the fall of 2023.

Those four players are forwards Conor O’Brien (SUNY CANTON in NCAA Division 3), Liam Serviss (RMC in USports), Chase Strychaluk (Castleton University in NCAA Division 3) and goaltender Kannon Flageolle (Suffolk University in NCAA Division 3).

All four those players were also all born in 2002.

PRE-GAME CEREMONY

If you are heading down to tonight’s home game at the John Rhodes, the Soo Thunderbirds will be having a pre-game ceremony tonight to honour their six graduating forwards.

This year’s graduating forwards are Youssef Chaouachi, Justin Mauro, Wyatt Marlow, Dharan Cap, Michael Chaffay and captain Brock Santa Maria.

(Photo credit to Bob Davies)

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