By Matt Stefano
After dropping a 3-0 decision to the Soo Eagles in game 3 back on Wednesday night, the Soo Thunderbirds were hoping to rebound on Friday night in game 4 of the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series at the Pullar Stadium.
The Thunderbirds, who entered Friday night’s contest down 2-1 in the series, were hoping to tie the series up at two, heading back to the John Rhodes for Saturday night’s game 5.
Thunderbirds head coach John Parco also made his NOJHL playoff debut behind the bench after serving a three game suspension.
Another 60 minutes went by without a goal for the Thunderbirds on Friday night as they dropped another 3-0 decision to the Soo Eagles at the Pullar Stadium in game 4 of the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario product Austin Rowe led the way offensively for the Eagles for the second straight game, scoring an empty net goal and adding an assist while Kyle Quinn and Hayden Clark (power play) had the other goals for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
CJ Banser, Alec Schwab, Kellen Tharaldson, Mikey Butcher and Gianni Vitali all had an assist each for the Eagles.
Thunderbirds rookie netminder Eric Schuch, who got his first NOJHL playoff start on Friday night, gave up 2 goals on 25 shots in the loss.
Eagles goaltender Carter McPhail was named first star of the game for the second straight game, making 27 stops for his second consecutive shutout.
The Thunderbirds are now down 3-1 in the NOJHL’s West Division semifinal series, but there’s still at least another 60 minutes of hockey to be played, which will be on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
(Photo of Eric Schuch credit to Jim Egan)
