Late goal extends Thunderbirds' winning streak

It took a power play goal with 12.5 seconds to go in regulation time to get it done but the Soo Thunderbirds winning streak moved to four games on Sunday afternoon.

Nick Smith scored from the right faceoff circle as the Thunderbirds scored three unanswered goals to beat the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners 4-3 at the John Rhodes Community Centre in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action.

Smith’s goal capped off a three-goal outburst for the Thunderbirds in the final 10 minutes of regulation time to pick up the victory.

Smith paced the Thunderbirds offensively with a goal and two assists.

Defenceman Tyler Dunbar also had a three-point night with three helpers.

Tyler Savard had a goal and an assist for the locals while Colton Hayes and Matthew Bazarin also scored.

Thunderbirds goaltender Colin Ahern made 26 saves.

Kirkland Lake goaltender Kohl Reddy stopped 38 shots.

Jacob Hiltz had a pair of goals for the Gold Miners. Max Newnam also scored.

The win improves the Thunderbirds record to 11-9-1-2 and continues a stretch for the Thunderbirds in which the team has won eight of 11 games.

Sunday’s loss extends Kirkland Lake’s losing streak to 11 games and the team falls to 5-14-3-1.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Wednesday night at home against the Elliot Lake Wildcats. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 7 p.m.