T-Birds explode in second period for win over Islanders

The Soo Thunderbirds scored five second period goals to pace themselves to an 8-4 win over the Manitoulin Islanders on Friday night in Little Current.

Mike McMillan scored three goals and added two assists to lead the Thunderbirds, who led 2-0 after one period and 7-4 after two. Chris Towell scored twice while Grant McGee, Mark Thorburn and Adam Kauppi added singles. Ryan Maunu and Tyler Gendron each recorded a pair of assists.

Corey Metatawabin replied with two goals for the Islanders while Ryan Piche and Brent Henley notched one each. Carlo Metatawabin, Jeff Maronese and Curtis "Moose" Johnson set up two goals each.

Michael Maulucci stopped 33 of 37 shots in goal for the win.

The victory improves the Thunderbirds record to 30-14-1 for 61 points and a three point lead over the Northern Michigan Black Bears for second place in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League with a game in hand.

The Soo can finish no lower than third place and can clinch second with just one win in their last three games.

On Saturday, the Thunderbirds continue their three-game road trip in Iroquois Falls against the Abitibi Eskimos before taking on the Blind River Beavers on Sunday afternoon. The contest against the Beavers can be heard live on www.sportsjuice.com beginning at 3:45 p.m.

*** NOJHL AWARDS:

League MVP - Brian McGarry (Sudbury)

Royal Bank Scholarship - Adam Kauppi (Soo)

Most Gentlemanly Player - Brent Henley (Manitoulin)

Rookie of the Year - Billy Stone (Manitoulin), Nick Jelitto (Blind River)

Best Defenseman - Quinn Waller (North Bay)

Most Improved Player - Darren Smith (Abitibi), Carlo Metatawabin (Manitoulin)

Best Defensive Forward - Ian Wong (Abitibi), Mike Herbert (Northern Michigan)

Best Overall Team Player - Quinn Waller (North Bay)

Executive of the Year - Mike Rowlandson (Sudbury)

CJAHL Player of the Year nominee - Brian McGarry (Sudbury)

First All-Star Team:

G - Paul Pidutti (Sudbury) D - Quinn Waller (North Bay) D - Rob Bonhomme (Sudbury) C - Brian McGarry (Sudbury) LW - Brendan Biedermann (Sudbury) RW - Nick Heins (Sudbury) Coach - Daryl Moxam (Sudbury) Manager - Barry McCrory (Sudbury) Trainer - Bruce Renwick (Abitibi)

Second All-Star Team:

G - Billy Stone (Manitoulin) D - Alex Ward (North Bay) D - Nick Jelitto (Blind River) C - Ryan Maunu (Soo) LW - Mike McMillan (Soo) RW - Nick Kulas (North Bay) Coach - Toots Kovacs (Soo) Manager - Todd Stencil (Manitoulin) Trainer - Donna Robinson, Nikola Gray (Northern Michigan)

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