Beavers double up Thunderbirds in Blind River

A shorthanded goal by Jared Dupuis late in the second period was the eventual game-winner as the Blind River Beavers beat the Soo Thunderbirds 6-3 Saturday night in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at the Blind River Community Centre.

It was the second win in as many nights for the Beavers over the Thunderbirds after picking up a win at the John Rhodes Community Centre on Friday night in the opening game of regular season action for both clubs.

With the Thunderbirds looking to get the game back on even terms and up a man at the time, Dupuis took a turnover at the Blind River blueline and beat Sault goaltender Scott Young to give the Beavers a 4-2 lead at the time.

Blind River tacked on a pair of goals in the third to seal the victory.

Jacob Kelly paced the Beavers with a pair of goals while Caleb Minns had a goal and an assist in the victory.

Devin Mauro and Noah Minns chipped in with a pair of assists each for the home team.

Joel Martin and Andrew Malek also scored for the Beavers.

Blind River netminder Gavin Disano stopped 38 shots in the contest, including 16 in the third period.

Young made 29 saves for the Thunderbirds, which included 14 in the final 20 minutes.

Will Josephson and Cooper Smyl had power play goals for the Thunderbirds while Ethan Novello also scored.

Blind River scored twice shorthanded in the game, while also scoring a pair of goals on the power play.

Facing each other as one of four two-team cohorts in the NOJHL, the Thunderbirds and Beavers are scheduled to meet again on Nov. 28 in a 7 p.m. contest at the John Rhodes Community Centre.