By Matt Stefano
After hammering the Elliot Lake Wildcats by a score of 9-1 back on Wednesday, November 6th at the John Rhodes Community Centre, the Soo Thunderbirds kicked off a three-game road trip on Friday night in Kirkland Lake for a matchup against the Gold Miners.
The Thunderbirds also entered Friday night’s game on a four game winning streak.
The Soo extended their winning streak to five games for the first time this season on Friday night in Kirkland Lake as they defeated the Gold Miners by a score of 6-2 at the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex.
Rookie forward Jake Kovacs recorded his first career hat trick for the Thunderbirds, giving him his 13th, 14th and 15th goals of the season.
He also moved into sole possession of first among NOJHL rookies in goals, passing Rayside Balfour Canadians rookie forward Matthew Belanger, who has thirteen goals so far this season.
Rookie forward Will Josephson also had a three point night for the Thunderbirds, scoring twice and adding an assist while Matthew Bazarin set up three goals.
Newberry, Michigan product Warner Young also had a multi point night for the Thunderbirds, setting up two goals.
MacKenzie Walkington had one goal for the Soo while Tyler Dunbar, Avery Rebek and Daniel Bazarin all chipped in with one assist each.
Lucas Renzoni and Kyler Campbell had the goals for the Gold Miners while Robert McLaughlin and Jacob Hiltz had an assist each.
Gold Miners netminder Kyle McNair gave up 6 goals on 39 shots in the loss while Alpena, Michigan native Dakota Meyer made 35 saves for the Thunderbirds victory.
The Thunderbirds, who are now winners of five straight, will continue their three-game road trip on Saturday night when they visit French River to take on the Rapids, who are the lowest scoring team in the NOJHL.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. at Noelville Arena.
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)