Thunderbirds eliminate Islanders (3 photos)

It wasn't an easy task but the Soo Thunderbirds were finally able to eliminate the Manitoulin Islanders from the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs.

In game five on Monday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre, the Thunderbirds defeated the Islanders 5-2 to capture the best-of-seven quarterfinal series 4-1.

Should the North Bay Skyhawks, who lead their series 3-1, eliminate the Abitibi Eskimos, the Thunderbirds would meet the Skyhawks in a best-of-seven semi-final series. Should Abitibi rally to win the series, the Soo would face Northern Michigan, who disposed of the Blind River Beavers in four straight games.

"Playing those guys is like going up against a wounded animal," said Thunderbirds head coach Toots Kovacs. "They were relentless. When we were shaking hands after I looked into some of their eyes and they were a determined bunch. I salute every player on that team and the entire organization. They could have easily rolled over and played dead."

After Manitoulin's Jeff Maronese and the Soo's Mike McMillan traded first period goals, the Thunderbirds broke open the game with three second period goals.

Ryan Maunu scored a pair of goals in the frame while McMillan added another. Tyler Gendron sealed the win with an empty net goal in the dying seconds.

Mike Moote also scored for the Islanders while Maunu added a pair of assists for a four point night. Chris Towell set up a pair for the Birds and McMillan one.

"I was happy with our effort," said Kovacs. "As tough as Manitoulin played us, it will help us in the long run. Maybe we thought we were going to walk all over them but they showed up play."

Travis O'Brien stopped 22 of 24 shots in goal for the win while Billy Stone countered with a stellar 32 save performance for the Islanders.

*** NOJHL QUARTERFINALS:

2. SOO THUNDERBIRDS vs. 7. MANITOULIN

(Soo wins series 4-1)

Game 1 - Tues. Mar. 14 - Soo 8 Manitoulin 0 Game 2 - Wed. Mar. 15 - Soo 6 Manitoulin 4 Game 3 - Fri. Mar. 17 - Manitoulin 4 Soo 3 Game 4 - Sat. Mar. 18 - Soo 2 Mantoulin 1 Game 5 - Mon. Mar. 20 - Soo 5 Manitoulin 2

3. NORTH BAY vs. 6. ABITIBI

(North Bay leads series 3-1)

Game 1 - Tues. Mar. 14 - North Bay 3 Abitibi 1 Game 2 - Wed. Mar. 15 - North Bay 6 Abitibi 5 (4OT) Game 3 - Fri. Mar. 17 - North Bay 7 Abitibi 2 Game 4 - Sat. Mar. 18 - Abitibi 4 North Bay 0 Game 5 - Tues. Mar. 21 - Abitbi vs. North Bay * Game 6 - Thu. Mar. 23 - North Bay vs. Abitibi * Game 7 - Fri. Mar. 24 - Abitibi vs. North Bay

4. NORTHERN MICHIGAN vs. 5. BLIND RIVER

(Northern Michigan wins series 4-0)

Game 1 - Tues. Mar. 14 - Northern Michigan 2 Blind River 1 Game 2 - Thu. Mar. 16 - Northern Michigan 3 Blind River 2 (OT) Game 3 - Sat. Mar. 18 - Northern Michigan 3 Blind River 1 Game 4 - Sun. Mar. 19 - Northern Michigan 4 Blind River 3

1. SUDBURY - bye

(* = if necessary)

***

(Photos courtesy of Jim Egan.)