Thunderbirds drop 2-1 to Rayside Balfour

By Matt Stefano

On Thursday night, the Soo Thunderbirds kicked off their first of a final two road games of their 2017-2018 regular season as they visited Chelmsford Arena to take on the Rayside Balfour Canadians.

The Thunderbirds, who entered Thursday night’s game sitting in first place in the NOJHL’s West Division with 73 points, took on the Canadians, who were two points behind them.

Despite outshooting the Canadians 44-26, the Thunderbirds dropped a 2-1 decision to the Canadians at Chelmsford Arena on Thursday night.

Thunderbirds assistant captain Kaidan McDonald opened the scoring on the power play with his 12th goal of the season at the 6:37 mark of the first period from Bradon Caruso and Robert Calisti.

Taylor Woolcott’s 14th goal of the season at the 9:53 mark of the first period from Kyle Liinamaa and Jacob Partridge tied the game at one.

Defenceman Jordan Spadafore’s power play goal with just 58 seconds to go in the second period proved to be the game winner for the Canadians.

Evan Krassey and Ryan O’Bonsawin would draw the assists on Spadafore’s tally.

Brayden Lachance made 43 saves for the Canadians victory while Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon gave up 2 goals on 26 shots on the loss.

The Thunderbirds will play their final road game of their 2017-2018 regular season on Friday night against the Elliot Lake Wildcats at Centennial Arena.

(Photo of Kaidan McDonald credit to Jim Egan)

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