Thunderbirds clinch regular season title

The Soo Thunderbirds opened up their final homestand of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season on Friday night.

The Thunderbirds picked up an 8-1 win over the North Bay Trappers at the Essar Centre, clinching top spot in the NOJHL standings.

Darcy Haines and Anthony Butorac had two goals and an assist for the Thunderbirds in the win while Anthony Miller chipped in with a goal and an assist in the win. Gavin Burbach, Riley Bordin and Brett Jeffries also scored for the Thunderbirds in the win. Jaren Bellini chipped in with two assists.

Thunderbirds goaltender Brian Kment stopped 23 shots in the win.

North Bay goaltender Lucas Paulsen stopped 44 shots in the loss while Tyler Broderson had the lone goal for the Trappers.

In other NOJHL action on Friday night, the Espanola Rivermen picked up a 3-2 overtime win over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners. Also on Friday, the Elliot Lake Bobcats beat the Blind River Beavers 6-2.

The Thunderbirds improve their record to 46-5-1-2 with the win while North Bay’s record falls to 15-31-0-6 with the loss.

The Thunderbirds wrap up their regular season schedule with a pair of home games next weekend as they host the Sudbury Nickel Barons on Saturday night and the Elliot Lake Bobcats on Sunday afternoon.