Thunderbirds host evaluation camp

While the current roster and much of the team staff is in Portage La Prairie, Man. for the RBC Cup, the Soo Thunderbirds began preparation for the 2015-16 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season over the weekend.

The organization held a three-day spring evaluation camp that wrapped up early Sunday afternoon.

The camp featured 37 primarily local players.

Defenceman Matt Murray, who suited up for the Soo Thunderbirds AAA team that competed in the Great North Midget League during the 2014-15 season, took part in the practice portion of the camp but did not participate in the two scrimmages.

Murray also played in a handful of games in the NOJHL during the regular season. The 17-year-old was one of four players in the camp who saw action this season in the league.

In addition to the six games that Murray played, defenceman Nolan Makkonen suited up in five games during the NOJHL finals while forwards Zach Senecal (two games) and Matt MacKay (one game) also saw action. Makkonen and MacKay spent the 2014-15 season with the AAA Thunderbirds while Senecal played with the minor midget Soo Greyhounds.

The Thunderbirds enjoyed an off-day at the RBC Cup on Sunday. The team returns to action on Monday night against the Melfort (Sask.) Mustangs.

In RBC Cup action on Sunday the Penticton Vees (BCHL) improved to 1-1 with a 4-0 victory over Melfort in the afternoon contest. Hunter Miska made 17 saves for the shutout.

The evening game saw the Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) improve to 2-0 with a 3-0 win over the host-Portage Terriers. Goaltender Guillaume Therien needed to make just 13 saves for the shutout.