Thunderbirds move into top spot in NOJHL

After starting their weekend with a tough loss to Blind River, the Soo Thunderbirds ended their weekend on a high note.

The Thunderbirds beat the North Bay Trappers 5-4 in overtime at the Essar Centre in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action.

Fraser Turner lifted the Thunderbirds to the victory when he took a feed from Greg Sartoretto and beat North Bay goaltender Greg Dodds at 2:56 of overtime to give the Thunderbirds the win.

Sartoretto finished the night with a goal and two assists, as did Darcy Casola for the Thunderbirds. Turner had a goal and an assist in the win. Adam Ritchie and Daniel Pyymaki also scored for the Thunderbirds while goaltender Steve Dombrosky stopped 24 shots.

Thunderbirds coach Warren LaVoy was unavailable at the rink to speak following the game.

Trevor Hunt and Eric Samtleben had a goal and an assist each for the Trappers in the loss while Brandon Janke and Joe Echelmeier also scored. Dodds stopped 20 shots in goal for the Trappers.

Trappers coach Tom McCarthy declined comment following the loss but team Director of Operations Tim Clayden did speak following the loss.

“We have a good group of young men in our dressing room but just a good group of young men isn’t going to cut it,” said Clayden. “We’re lacking a little bit of finesse and it looks as though we’re lacking a little bit of heart and soul. We still have to add to this hockey club if we want to compete late in the season.”

Thanks to the overtime victory, the Thunderbirds move into sole possession of top spot in the NOJHL standings with 21 points, one point ahead of the Trappers.

The Thunderbirds continue a nine-game homestand on Friday night when they host the Elliot Lake Bobcats at the Essar Centre in a 7:30 p.m. start.

Photo courtesy James Egan Photography

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