Thunderbirds clinch top spot in NOJHL standings

The Soo Thunderbirds are guaranteed home ice throughout the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs.

Thanks to a 3-2 road win over the Blind River Beavers on Sunday afternoon, the Thunderbirds clinched top spot in the NOJHL’s overall standings.

Spencer Van Tiem broke a 2-2 tie with his eighth goal of the season midway through the third period to give the Thunderbirds the win.

Van Tiem and Brendan Miller had a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds.

Goaltender Colin Ahern made 40 saves, including 15 in the third period, for the Thunderbirds.

Tyler Malpass had the other goal for the Sault.

Caleb Serre and Lucas Adams scored for Blind River.

Beavers netminder Garret Boyonoski made 30 saves.

The Thunderbirds record sits at 38-10-0-1.

Battling with the Soo Eagles for positioning in the NOJHL’s West Division, Blind River falls to 22-20-5-2 with the loss and sits two points behind the Eagles with a game in hand.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Thursday night on the road against the Elliot Lake Wildcats before playing a pair of home games. The team will host the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners on Friday night and the Espanola Express on Sunday. Puck drop for both games at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 7 p.m.