Radke scores winner in double overtime for Thunderbirds

For the second consecutive game, the Soo Thunderbirds needed double overtime to continue their winning streak.

David Radke scored at 2:20 of the second overtime period to lift the Thunderbirds to a 5-4 win over the Abitibi Eskimos in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action. The win came as the Thunderbirds celebrated their Pink in the Rink game, wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off as well.

The goal was Radke’s first with the Thunderbirds after returning to the team and playing his first game in Wednesday’s win over Blind River. Radke had started the season with the North American League’s Janesville Jets.

Jaren Bellini and Anthony Miller chipped in with a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds in Friday’s win while Joey Miller and Nicolas Tassone also scored.

Veteran goaltender Brian Kment stopped 34 shots for the Thunderbirds in the win.

Brennan Roy had two goals and an assist for Abitibi while Brady Clouthier had a goal and an assist. Clouthier’s third-period goal tied the game at four and forced overtime. Kyle Levis also scored for the Eskimos. Kevin Walker chipped in with a pair of assists.

Abitibi goaltender Braddok Baalerud stopped 42 shots.

With the win, the Thunderbirds have won six straight games and sit in a tie for top spot in the NOJHL’s West Division with an 8-2 record. The Elliot Lake Wildcats are also 8-2 while the Sudbury Nickel Barons are 7-2-0-2.

The Eskimos record drops to 6-3-0-2 and sit in second in the NOJHL’s East Division.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Oct. 15 when they travel to Blind River to take on the Beavers.