Thunderbirds score eleven vs Wildcats once again

By Matt Stefano

After defeating the Soo Eagles 4-1 on Saturday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre and moving into sole possession of third place in the West Division, the Soo Thunderbirds were right back in action just twenty four hours later on Sunday night for a home game against the last place Elliot Lake Wildcats.

The Thunderbirds scored eleven times on Sunday night as they hammered the Wildcats by a score of 11-0 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

It was also the second time the Thunderbirds scored eleven goals in a game this season.

The only other time they scored eleven goals in a game this season, was back on November 1st, when they defeated the Wildcats 11-3 at Centennial Arena.

“It was one of those games unfortunately that the score was pretty high on the Wildcats, who were a little bit shorthanded,” said Thunderbirds head coach John Parco.

Forward Nick Smith led the way offensively for the Thunderbirds on Sunday night, scoring once and setting up four others for his second career five point game.

Smith, who scored his 91st career goal, is now one goal away from tying the team record for most career goals.

“Nick is always fun to watch and he was just his typical self tonight,” continued Parco.

Sunday night’s game also saw a great performance from Thunderbirds rookie defenceman Warner Young.

Young, who notched his first NOJHL goal against the Soo Eagles on Saturday night, scored twice, including once on the power play and added an assist on Sunday night against the Wildcats.

The Newberry, Michigan native also opened up the scoring for the Thunderbirds for the second straight game on Sunday night.

“Young had a really good weekend for us and he’s playing well and I’m happy for him,” continued the Thunderbirds bench boss.

One new face that the Thunderbirds saw on the ice on Sunday night, was newly signed goaltender Sam Evola.

Evola picked up his first NOJHL shutout and win on Sunday night, stopping all thirty seven shots directed his way.

The Rochester, Michigan native also became the first Thunderbird goaltender to record a shutout in his NOJHL debut since Remo Febbraro did back on September 17th, 2010.

“Evola didn’t have a lot of shots to block, but he did what he had to do and we’re proud of him,” continued Parco.

Rylan Clemons had two goals and an assist while Jake Kovacs also had a three point night for the Thunderbirds, setting up three goals.

Tyler Savard had a power play goal and assist for the Soo while Cam Findlay and Brock Santa Maria also had a goal and an assist each.

Kurtis Rogers and Mackenzie Walkington had the other goals for the Soo.

Cooper Smyl, Dylan Parsons and Will Josephson had a pair of assists each for the Thunderbirds while defenceman Kevin Parra-Vaughan also got on the scoresheet with one assist.

Zachary Vollicks, who got the start in net for the Wildcats on Sunday night, gave up all eleven goal goals on forty two shots he faced.

The Thunderbirds will now play their final home game before this Christmas break and the new year on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m., when they take on the French River Rapids at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

“We are going to take a day of from practice on Monday, but then we’ll get back to working hard again,” concluded Parco.

(Photo of Bob Davies)

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