By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Elliot Lake Wildcats 4-3 on Sunday and improving their record to 5-0 for the first time since the 2015-2016 season, the Soo Thunderbirds were looking to keep their winning streak alive on Friday night as they took on the Rayside Balfour Canadians at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
The Thunderbirds, who trailed 2-0 after forty minutes of play, came back to score three unanswred goals, including one in overtime, as they went on to defeat the Canadians by a score of 3-2.
“We started off good,” said Thunderbirds forward Noah Boman. “We had a bunch of shots that we couldn’t bury. We just kept the pressure on and slowly got our chances and we finally put it past their goalie and he was hot tonight.”
Boman scored a pair of goals for the Thunderbirds on Friday night, including the tying goal at the 10:50 mark of the third, before scoring the overtime winner with 33 seconds to go in overtime.
“It felt great,” continued Boman. “Getting the first one really gave me some confidence. It was a hard overtime, we just kept bagging it and we finally put it past him. I got the rebound, put it in and it was great.”
Withe the win, the Thunderbirds have now improved their record to 6-0 for the first time since the 2001-2002 season.
“Its great for the boys,” concluded Boman. “It feels good to start off the season strong, but we just have to keep the pressure going so we can keep the streak alive.”
Thunderbirds leading scorer Lucas Theriault led the way offensivley with three assists while defenceman Steven Bellini also got on the scoresheet with one assist.
Assistant captain Nick Smith had a power play goal for the Thunderbirds just 54 seconds into the third, cutting the Canadians lead to 2-1.
Giordano Biondi had both goals for the Canadians while Kyle Liinamma also had a two-point night with a pair of assists.
Zachary Snow and Brodie Willard had an assist each for the Canadians.
Canadians goaltender David Bowen gave up 3 goals on 48 shots in the loss while William Anderson made 26 saves for the victory.
The Thunderbirds will be back in action on Saturday night in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to take on the Soo Eagles at Pullar Stadium.
(Photo of Noah Boman credit to Rod Aubertin)
