By Matt Stefano
Following a 2-1 victory over the Blind River Beavers on Saturday night at the Blind River Community Centre, the Soo Thunderbirds returned home to the John Rhodes Community Centre on Sunday night to take on the Elliot Lake Wildcats.
The Thunderbirds, who entered Sunday night’s contest as the top team in the NOJHL, were also riding a five game winning streak.
On Sunday night, the Thunderbirds scored a season-high eight goals as they went on to double up the Elliot Lake Wildcats 8-4 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
“We just focused on keeping it simple and defence,” said Thunderbirds forward Braden Robbins. “The offence just comes when we’re keeping it simple on defence.”
Robbins, who missed three games during the month of October due to a shoulder injury, recorded a power play goal and three helpers in Sunday night’s victory.
“It felt good to get the dust off and I’m just glad we got the win,” continued Robbins.
Robbins also played on a line with Tyler Malpass, who also had a goal and three assists on the evening.
“It was only our second game playing together,” concluded Robbins. “It’s a really good line, we mesh well, and I just know where he’s at most of the time.”
Thunderbirds defenceman Steven Bellini recorded his first career multi point game, setting up three goals.
Noah Solinger had a shorthanded goal and an assist for the Thunderbirds while Kaidan McDonald had a power play goal and a helper.
Thunderbirds defenceman Nolan Ford recorded his first career multi point game, scoring a power play goal and setting up another while forward Tanner Mayne scored pair of goals, including once on the power play.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan native Brendan Miller had the game winning goal for the Thunderbirds.
Ryan Mulligan and Nicolas Case also got in the scoresheet with one assist each.
Evan Spencer led the way offensively for the Wildcats, scoring a goal and setting up two others while Jacob Kelly had a power play goal and an assist.
Cole Burton and Brett Crook had the other goals for the Wildcats while David Elford, Josh Armstrong, Lucas Dolanjski, Dawson Garcia, and Nick Long all had an assist each.
Eric Schuch made 24 saves for the Thunderbirds sixth straight win.
Chris Weilenga gave up 5 goals on 25 shots, before being replaced in net by Allan Menary, who then gave up 2 goals on 23 shots the rest of the way.
The Thunderbirds will be back in action on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. against the Espanola Express at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
(Photo credit to Rod Aubertin)
