A pair of late goals and a strong performance in goal were the differences for the Soo Thunderbirds on Friday night.
Goaltender Brandon Gordon made 39 saves as the Thunderbirds held on to beat the Soo (Mich.) Eagles 2-1 in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at Pullar Stadium in Sault, Mich.
Gordon’s night included 32 saves over the final 40 minutes of the contest.
The Eagles would get on the board first early in the third period on a goal by Jake Lamberty 2:45 into the frame.
A goal by Tyler Malpass midway through the period on the man advantage tied the contest before Nick Smith scored with 4:13 to go in regulation time to give the Thunderbirds the victory.
Eagles goaltender Carter McPhail stopped 21 shots.
The Thunderbirds improve to 14-6-1-0 and sit two points behind the West Division-leading Rayside Balfour Canadians. Meanwhile, the Eagles drop to 12-9-0-0.
The Thunderbirds return to action on Sunday evening in Elliot Lake against the Wildcats.