Thunderbirds wrap up RBC Cup

The Soo Thunderbirds season came to a close on Thursday in their final game of the 2015 RBC Cup in Portage La Prairie, Man.

Playing their final round robin game of the tournament in a 5-2 loss against the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League.

After falling behind 1-0 in the opening period, the Thunderbirds would score a pair of goals to cut into the lead, only to see the Vees add a pair of goals in the third period to seal the win.

Brett Jeffries scored both goals for the Thunderbirds while Mario Culina got the start in goal, splitting the contest with Brian Kment. Culina made 20 saves on 23 shots while Kment stopped 17 of 19 shots.

Patrick Newell had two goals and two assists for the Vees while Steen Cooper added a goal and an assist. Demico Hannoun assisted on three goals. Dakota Conroy and Tyson Jost also scored for Penticton.

Vees goaltender Hunter Miska stopped 20 shots.

The Vees had a semi-final spot secured entering the game but moved into top spot in the round robin standings but the Portage Terriers could still move into top spot with a win on Thursday night.

The round robin wrapped up as the Terriers beat the Melfort Mustangs 3-2 to finish in top spot heading into the semi-final. Brad Bowles had a goal and an assist for the Terriers while Shawn Bowles and Landon Peel also scored.

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. native Cole Hyrsky had a goal and an assist for the Mustangs. Travis Mayan also picked up a goal.

Melfort finishes the round robin in fourth while the Carleton Place Canadians finished the round robin in third.