By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Elliot Lake Wildcats 6-1 last Sunday at the John Rhodes Community Centre and extending their winning streak to three games, the 3-0 Soo Thunderbirds hit the road to Espanola on Friday take on the 0-4 Express.
The Thunderbirds improved their record to 4-0 for the first time since the 2015-2016 season on Friday night as they hammered the Express by a score of 7-3 at Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.
Thunderbirds defenceman Steven Bellini recorded his second straight three point game on Friday night, scoring twice, including once on the power play along with adding an assist.
Niagara IceDogs prospect Lucas Theriault, who entered Friday night’s game with eight points in three games, scored twice for the Thunderbirds, including once on the power play.
Nick Smith and Noah Boman had a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds while Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan product Brendan Miller scored once.
Rookie forward Avery Rebek recorded his first career multi point game, setting up a pair of goals while Tyler Malpass also had a two point game with a pair of assists.
Kobe Seguin, Kaidan McDonald and Nolan Ford all had an assist each for the Thunderbirds.
Brett McInall led the way offensivley for the Express with a goal and an assist while Logan Fennema and Chase Lammi had a goal each.
Xavier Abel, Lukas Lyszyk and Jarod Hurley all recorded one assist each for the Express.
Express goaltender Joel Rainville gave up 3 goals on 9 shots before being replaced in net by Ryan Hale, who then gave up 4 goals on 25 shots the rest of the way.
Thunderbirds goaltender William Anderson made 18 saves for the victory.
The Thunderbirds will be back on John Rhodes ice on Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. to take on the Elliot Lake Wildcats.