Thunderbirds open playoffs

The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs opened on Thursday night convincingly for the Soo Thunderbirds.

In game one of their first round playoff series with the Blind River Beavers, the Thunderbirds tool the early series lead with an 11-0 victory.

Anthony Miller had two goals and two assists for the Thunderbirds while Andrew Barbeau also had a four-point night with four assists. Matt Caruso scored twice and set up another goals. Nic Sicoly chipped in with two goals while Jaren Bellini scored once and set up a pair of goals. Brett Jeffries also had three points with a goal and two assists. Eric Hillock also scored for the Thunderbirds.

Goaltender Brian Kment stopped 16 shots for the shutout.

Game two is Saturday night in Blind River.

In other NOJHL playoff action on Thursday night, Dustin Cordiero scored three times and set up two more goals as the Cochrane Crunch beat the Abitibi Eskimos 5-2. Crunch goaltender Brett Young made 37 saves. Henry Berger chipped in with two goals and an assist while Aviv Miller assisted on four goals for Cochrane. Abitibi goaltender Chet Tooker made 36 saves.