Thunderbirds increase division lead

The Soo Thunderbirds extended their lead atop the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s West Division on Monday.

With a 5-0 win over the Sudbury Nickel Barons, the Thunderbirds now hold a five-point lead over the Elliot Lake Wildcats in the NOJHL’s West Division and took a two-point lead over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in the overall standings.

After a scoreless opening period, the Thunderbirds scored four times in the second period to blow the game open before adding a single goal in the third period to cap off the win. The Thunderbirds outshot the Nickel Barons 28-7 over the final two periods.

Jaren Bellini had two goals and two assists for the Thunderbirds.

Boris Katchouk and Caleb Boman also scored while goaltender Mario Culina stopped 13 shots for the shutout.

Sudbury goaltender Kevin Labelle made 36 saves.

The Thunderbirds are back in action on Saturday night when they open a two-game weekend set in Powassan against the Voodoos.