By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Soo Eagles 3-1 at the Pullar Stadium on Friday night and extending their winning streak to three games, the Soo Thunderbirds returned to the John Rhodes Community Centre on Saturday night for their second game of the home and home series against the Soo Eagles.
Camaryn Baber’s first career goal (shorthanded) with 4:55 left to go in the third, proved to be the game winner as the Thunderbirds went on to beat the Soo Eagles 4-2 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
“We really took a hard effort from forwards and D,” said Baber. “Our goalies kept us in it all weekend and we battled back in the third period both days. “My first goal took a little longer than I was hoping for, but my support from my teammates and coaches has been great.”
Baber, who is in his first season with the Soo Thunderbirds, was also selected by the Saginaw Spirit in the 3rd round (57th overall) during the 2017 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.
“It was really fun starting the season with Saginaw,” continued Baber. “Training camp went really well and coming back here with a great group of guys has been fun and I think we can take it all the way here.”
Camaryn is also the son of former Soo Greyhound Brad Baber.
“He’s always supported me through everything. My mom has been a big influence too. My dad just helps me out everyday and tells me what I can do better,” concluded Baber.
Thunderbirds rookie defenceman Bradon Caruso scored a pair of goals, including one on the power play and the other into an empty net, along with setting up another for a three point night.
Caruso also became the first Thunderbird rookie defenceman to score a pair of goals in a single game since Caleb Boman did back on January 23rd, 2015 vs Powassan.
Second year forward Noah Solinger had a power play goal for the Thunderbirds while Alex Acosta, Ryan Mulligan, Nick Smith and Kaidan McDonald all had an assist each.
Christian Bardarson led the way offensively for the Eagles, picking up two assists while single goals went to Nick Techel (power play) and Kobe Keller.
Eagles goalie Shane Brancato gave up 3 goals on 28 shots in the loss while Thunderbirds first year goalie Eric Schuch made 26 stops for the win.
The Thunderbirds will now have a road game on Thursday, October 5th at 7:00 p.m., when they visit Chelmsford Arena to take on the Rayside Balfour Canadians.
(Photo credit to James Egan’s Sports Photography)
