By Matt Stefano
It’s Game 5 of the Provenzano Cup tonight as the Soo Thunderbirds will take on the Blind River Beavers at 7:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Tonight’s game will also mark the first of a final two home games before the Christmas break and the new year.
HEAD TO HEAD
In four meetings this season against the Beavers, the Thunderbirds have 2 wins, 1 loss and 1 overtime loss.
Through those four meetings, the Thunderbirds have outscored the Beavers 9-8 overall.
Thunderbirds assistant captain Kaidan McDonald has been the top point getter this season against the Beavers, scoring once and setting up four others.
LEAGUE LEADERS
Forward Nick Smith leads the NOJHL in game winning goals (5) and sits tied for first in opening goals of a game (4) and insurance goals (4).
Goaltender Brandon Gordon has the lowest goals against average in the NOJHL at 1.88.
RETURN OF MALPASS
After being handed an eight-game suspension back on November 18th in a home game against the Rayside Balfour Canadians, Thunderbirds forward Tyler Malpass is expected to be back in the lineup for tonight’s matchup against the Beavers.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario product currently sits second in team goals (9).
GORDO GETS NOTICED
For the second time this season, Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon has been named one of this week’s NOJHL Eastlink 3 Stars of the Week.
