By Matt Stefano
Following the cancellation of Sunday night’s game due to severe weather conditions, the Soo Thunderbirds were back in action on Tuesday night as they took on the Blind River Beavers at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
The Thunderbirds, who entered Tuesday night’s game with 39 wins, picked up their 40th victory of the season, as they defeated the Blind River Beavers by a score of 2-1.
The only other times the Thunderbirds had 40 win seasons, was in 2016-2017 (43), 2015-2016 (47) and 2013-2014 (48).
“It’s always good to win,” said Thunderbirds head coach John Parco. “The team played really well and I thought we played a really good defensive game. I thought we could’ve capitalized on a few more chances, but that’s the way the game goes.”
Second year defenceman Tristan Cicchello led the way offensively for the Thunderbirds with a power play goal and an assist.
Not only did Cicchello have a power play goal and an assist on Tuesday night, but he also had a fight with Beavers forward Ethan Graham, which gave him his first career Gordie Howe hat trick.
“Tristan has been working really hard in the last couple months here, so I’m happy for him,” continued Parco.
Cicchello’s power play goal at the 14:07 mark of the second period, broke a 1-1 tie and proved to be the game winner.
“I’m just happy he finally got a goal from the point,” continued Parco. “He’s had all kinds of shots and all kinds of good looks over the last couple of games.”
Thunderbirds rookie netminder Colin Ahern was named first star of the game, making thirty six stops for the victory.
“He played really solid,” concluded Parco. “He just got back the other day and he hasn’t been practicing much lately, but I thought he did really well.”
Noah Boman had the other goal for the Thunderbirds while Nolan Ford and Brady Caruso also got on the scoresheet with one assist each.
Nash Hatcher had the lone goal for the Beavers while assists went to Ryan Nielsen and Ryan Peck.
Beavers netminder and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Garret Boyonoski gave up two goals on twenty eight shots in the loss.
The Thunderbirds will now play their final game of the month of February on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m., when they take on the Espanola Express at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Wednesday night’s contest against Espanola will be the make up game for Sunday’s night’s game that was postponed.
(Photo credit to Rod Aubertin/www.ssmphotos.com)
