Thunderbirds explode offensively in showcase opener

The Soo Thunderbirds exploded for five goals in the second period to open the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League showcase in the Michigan Sault with a victory.

Trailing 2-1 through 20 minutes, the Thunderbirds broke the game open in the middle period en route to an 8-3 win over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in the annual event, which is being played at the Big Bear Arena in Sault, Mich.

Matthew Bazarin had a natural hat trick for the Thunderbirds. His three goals came in a span of just over four minutes.

MacKenzie Walkington chipped in with a pair of goals while Tyler Savard assisted on three goals.

Jacob Kovacs had a goal and an assist for the Sault.

Cooper Smyl and Daniel Bazarin also scored.

Goaltender Colin Ahern made 22 saves.

Landis Antonic scored twice and assisted on another goal for the Gold Miners while Lucas Branch had a goal and an assist.

Kyle McNair got the start in goal for Kirkland Lake but was pulled after giving up five goals on 22 shots. Kole Reddy made 13 saves the rest of the way.

The Thunderbirds return to action in the two-day event on Wednesday in a 6:30 p.m. puck drop against the Cochrane Crunch.