By Matt Stefano
The Soo Thunderbirds will play their final game of the month of January tonight when they take on the Blind River Beavers at the John Rhodes Community Centre, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The Thunderbirds enter tonight’s game with a record of 26 wins, 14 losses, 2 overtime losses and 3 shootout losses, good for 57 points and third place in the NOJHL’s West Division.
They have also given up the least goals in the West Division, only letting in 121.
The Beavers enter tonight’s game with a record of 31 wins, 10 losses, 1 overtime loss and 3 shootout losses, good for 66 points and second place in the NOJHL’s West Division.
Blind River also got honourable mention in this week’s Canadian Junior Hockey League Top 20 Weekly Rankings.
IN THEIR LAST MEETING
The last time these two clubs met was back on Friday, October 11th, when the Thunderbirds hammered the Beavers by a score of 8-2 at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Thunderbirds forward Colton Hayes led the way offensively that night with four assists while goaltender Dakota Meyer made his season high 44 saves for the victory.
MY OH MEYER!
Wednesday night’s game vs Elliot Lake game was a memorable one for Thunderbirds goaltender Dakota Meyer.
The Alpena, Michigan product turned aside all 31 shots directed his way for his first NOJHL shutout.
ON THE BLUELINE
Thunderbirds rookie defenceman Warner Young currently leads all NOJHL rookie blueliners in scoring with 3 goals and 26 points in 44 games.
ZACH ATTACK
He’s currently playing with the GNML’s Soo Jr. Greyhounds this season, but he’s also suited up for three games with the Soo Thunderbirds during 2019-2020.
And Wednesday night’s game was one he won’t soon forget!
Added player Ty Zachary notched his first NOJHL goal in Wednesday night’s 7-0 victory over the Elliot Lake Wildcats at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
In three games played with the Thunderbirds this season, Zachary has 1 goal and 1 assist and 4 penalty minutes.
LEADING SCORER
Beavers captain Caleb Serre enters tonight’s game as the top scorer in the NOJHL.
The Blind River, Ontario native leads the league with 42 goals, 51 assists and 93 points in 45 games.
BIRTHDAY BOY ON ICE
Beavers captain and NOJHL’s top scorer Caleb Serre is the only player in tonight’s game who is turning a different number.
The Blind River, Ontario native turns 21 years old today.
ARE YOU SERRE…OUS?
Yes, Caleb Serre is the top scorer in the NOJHL!
But he also holds many team records for the Blind River Beavers.
Serre enters tonight’s game as the Beavers all-time leading scorer with 249 career points.
He is also the club’s all-time leader in goals (112), assists (137) and games played (200).
The Blind River, Ontario native also holds a few single season records for the Beavers, including most points (93), most goals (42), most opening goals (9) and most power play goals (17).
DING! DING! DING!
If you are heading to tonight’s game, the first 50 fans who enter the John Rhodes will receive free Soo Thunderbirds cow bells!
(This Thunderbirds Game Preview is sponsored by Giovanni’s Restaurant)
