HOCKEY NOTES: T-Birds win; GNML final set

The Soo Thunderbirds ended a successful two-game road trip with a win in Iroquois Falls on Saturday night.

The Thunderbirds scored the game's first two goals and the last two to skate away with a 4-2 win over the Abitibi Eskimos in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action.

Mike MacMillan opened the scoring 6:53 into the opening period on the power play before Aaron Anderson added another later in the frame to the Soo a 2-0 lead.

Jessy Lebel scored on the power play in the second period before adding his second of the game early in the third period to tie the game at 2-2.

Ryan MacKay, the game's first star selection, scored the game winner for Soo with 6:53 left in regulation time while Kelly Thomson added an empty net marker with 33 seconds remaining.

Casey Mapes made the start in goal for the Thunderbirds and stopped 33 of 35 shots.

The Thunderbirds, who extend their record to 29-9-6-1 with their third straight win, return to action on Wednesday night in St. Ignace against the Northern Michigan Black Bears.

In another NOJHL game on Saturday night, Thomas Laplante scored twice to lead Blind River past Manitoulin 8-3.

*** NORTH STARS TO BATTLE NEW LISKEARD:

The stage is set for the Soo North Stars and New Liskeard Cubs to battle for the Great North Midget League championship.

New Liskeard earned a berth into the league championship series against the North Stars with a 5-3 win over the Kapuskasing Flyers on Saturday night to sweep their best-of-five semi-final 3-0.

The North Stars completed a sweep in their series against Kirkland Lake with a 6-3 win on Friday night.

The best-of-five GNML championship series will open in Sault Ste. Marie next weekend.