By Matt Stefano
After dropping a 3-2 decision to the Timmins Rock back on Sunday afternoon in Timmins, the Soo Thunderbirds were on the road in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Friday night to take on the Soo Eagles.
The Thunderbirds also entered Saturday night’s game on a four game losing streak, with three of the games only lost by one goal.
The Thunderbirds lost by another one goal game on Saturday night in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan as they dropped a 4-3 decision in a shootout to the Soo Eagles at Pullar Stadium.
Forward Matthew Bazarin led the offensively for the Thunderbirds with a goal and an assist while Orrin Grangroth and Kurtis Rogers had one goal each.
Cam Findlay, Tristan Cicchello, Warner Young, Daniel Bazarin and Nick Smith had an assist each for the Thunderbirds.
Blake Vaca (power play), Tucker Harris and Ryan Dacks had the goals for the Eagles while Cam Parrott, Caleb Wood, Kyle Quinn and Kyle Portlock had an assist each.
Eagles forward Dominic Skrelja was named third star of the game after recording two assists in the contest.
In the shootout, Blake Vaca and Tommy Buis each found of the net for the Eagles while defenceman Tyler Dunbar scored for the Thunderbirds.
The Bazarin brothers (Daniel and Matthew) both shot for the Thunderbirds in the shoutout, but both did not score.
Thunderbirds netminder Colin Ahern was named second star of the game, making 37 saves in the loss.
Eagles netminder Shane Brancato earned first star of the game, making 27 saves for the victory.
The Thunderbirds will be back in action on Thursday night in Blind River to take on the Beavers.
Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. at the Blind River Community Centre.
NOTE
Friday night’s game marked the debut of newly signed forward Mackenzie Walkington, who came over to the Thunderbirds from the MJHL’s Neepawa Natives.
ALUMNI NEWS
On Friday night former Soo Thunderbird and current Niagara IceDogs forward Lucas Theriault scored his first Ontario Hockey League goal in an 8-4 win over the Kingston Frontenacs at the Meridian Centre in St. Catherines, Ontario.
(Photo of Colin Ahern credit to Bob Davies)