Smith, Van Tiem pace Thunderbirds on road

A busy weekend opened on a positive note for the Soo Thunderbirds on Friday night.

The team opened a three-game in three-day stretch with a 4-3 victory over the Elliot Lake Wildcats on the road in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action.

Spencer Van Tiem’s first goal as a member of the Thunderbirds, 1:31 into the second period, was the eventual game-winner.

Nick Smith paced the Thunderbirds with a goal and two assists. Veteran forward Mark Tassone chipped in with a pair of goals. 

Goaltender Eric Schuch was busy for the Thunderbirds, making 33 saves in the contest.

Jacob Kelly scored a pair of goals for Elliot Lake. Andrew Maltby also scored while William Bucsis assisted on all three Wildcats goals.

Goaltender Logan Sawka stopped 35 shots for Elliot Lake, who falls to 19-24-3-0.

The Thunderbirds remain atop the NOJHL’s West Division with a record of 29-9-2-1. With 61 points, the team is five ahead of the second-place Blind River Beavers and six ahead of the Rayside Balfour Canadians, which represents the Thunderbirds remaining opponents this weekend.

The Thunderbirds will be in Blind River to take on the Beavers on Saturday night before wrapping up the weekend at home against Rayside Balfour on Sunday. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 3 p.m. against the Canadians.