By Matt Stefano
After defeating the Elliot Lake Wildcats by a score of 7-2 back on Wednesday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre, the Soo Thunderbirds were back in action on Friday night as they made a trip to Elliot Lake for a rematch against the last place Wildcats.
It was no contest in the second straight meeting on Friday night in Elliot Lake as the Thunderbirds scored a season high eleven goals to go on to hammer the Wildcats by a score of 11-3 at Centennial Arena.
The last time the Thunderbirds scored eleven goals in a single game, was back on January 21st, 2018, when they defeated the Espanola Express 11-2 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Thunderbirds co-captain Nick Smith led the way offensively for the second straight game on Friday night, scoring once and setting up three others for his second straight four point game.
Defenceman Kevin Parra-Vaughan scored his first goal of the season and set up two others for the Thunderbirds while second year forward Avery Rebek also had a three point night with a power play goal and two helpers.
Soo Greyhounds prospect Tyler Savard recorded his third three point game of the season, setting up three goals for the Thunderbirds.
Escanaba, Michigan native Colton Hayes, who notched his first NOJHL goal back on Wednesday night against the Wildcats at the Rhodes, scored two goals on Friday night in Elliot Lake to extend his goal streak to two games.
Rookie forward Jake Kovacs also had a two goal game for the Soo while Brock Santa Maria and Will Josephson also had two point nights, setting up a pair of goals each.
Warner Young and Nolan Ford also got on the scoresheet for the Thunderbirds, setting up a goal each.
Wildcats captain Connor Taylor and Burlington, Ontario native Owen Kruse had a goal and an assist each for their club.
Jake Rhoades had one goal for the Wildcats while Eric Vanderhoff and Jordan Ritchie had one assist each.
Former Blind River Beavers netminder Jonathan Lemaire, who suited up for his first game with the Wildcats, gave up 7 goals on 29 shots before being replaced in net by Parker Simpson, who then gave up 4 goals on 23 shots the rest of the way.
Thunderbirds netminder Dakota Meyer was named second star of the game, making 33 saves for the victory.
In back to back meetings against the Wildcats this week, the Thunderbirds have outscored them 18-5 overall while outshooting them 115-65.
The Soo will be back at home on Sunday afternoon, when they take on the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in a 2:00 p.m. start at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
