Theriault paces Thunderbirds to victory

The Soo Thunderbirds continue to roll and so does forward Lucas Theriault.

The veteran forward had four points, for his third four-point game of the young Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season, as the Thunderbirds improved to 8-0-0-0 with a 5-1 win over the Espanola Express on Saturday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

Theriault had a natural hattrick for the Thunderbirds, giving him nine goals in eight games this season.

Theriault now has 18 points this season, good for the league lead.

Nick Smith added a goal and two assists for the Thunderbirds.

Noah Boman assisted on a pair of goals while Ryan Lawrence also scored.

Thunderbirds goaltender William Anderson stopped 19 shots.

Espanola goaltender Joel Rainville stopped 49 shots and has now made at least 40 saves in five starts this season.

Bret McInall had the lone goal for the Express, who fall to 2-9-0-0.

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