By Matt Stefano
On Wednesday evening, the Soo Thunderbirds made the trip across the St. Mary’s River to take on the Soo Eagles in game 3 of the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series.
The Thunderbirds were coming off a 3-2 loss against the Eagles in game 2, which was held back on Monday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
On Wednesday night, the Eagles took a 2-1 lead in the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series as they blanked the Thunderbirds by a score of 3-0 at the Pullar Stadium.
The last time the Thunderbirds were shutout in an NOJHL playoff game, was back on April 18th, 2013 in a 2-0 loss against the North Bay Trappers at the Essar Centre.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Austin Rowe led the way offensively for the Eagles with a goal and two assists while Brendan Blair and Gianni Vitali had a goal each.
Kellen Tharaldson had one assist for the Eagles.
Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon gave up 3 goals on 27 shots before being replaced in net by Eric Schuch, who made 2 stops the rest of the way.
Eagles first year netminder Carter McPhail made 30 saves for his first career playoff shutout.
The Thunderbirds will be in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for game 4 of the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Pullar Stadium.
(Photo of Brandon Gordon credit to Jim Egan)
