Streaking Thunderbirds maintain divisional lead

It was a night that saw one streak come to an end while another continued in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

The Soo Thunderbirds’ winning streak moved to nine games on Saturday night thanks to a 3-1 victory over the Soo (Mich.) Eagles at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

Thanks to three goals in the opening period, the Thunderbirds ended the Eagles’ six-game winning streak.

Mark Tassone had a pair of goals for the Thunderbirds, giving him eight in 11 games since returning to the team in mid-November.

Nick Smith and Camaryn Baber assisted on each of Tassone’s goals while Nolan Ford had the other Thunderbirds goal.

Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon turned in a solid effort, making 28 saves.

Kobe Keller had the lone goal for the Eagles.

Carter McPhail stopped 26 shots for the Eagles.

Prior to the game, the Thunderbirds honoured former goaltender Michael Doan by retiring his jersey. Doan, who played in the NOJHL with both the Thunderbirds and Eagles before moving on to NCAA hockey, was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in July.

The win improves the Thunderbirds record to 23-7-2-0 while the Eagles record drops to 18-11-0-0.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Dec. 15 at home against the Blind River Beavers. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 7:30 p.m.