Thunderbirds extend winning streak with overtime win

As they continue to battle for position in the standings in the Northern Ontario Junior hockey League’s West Division, the Soo Thunderbirds winning streak moved to four games on Saturday night.

Cooper Smyl scored the overtime winner as the Thunderbirds beat the French River Rapids 2-1 on Saturday at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

With the puck deep in the French River zone Smyl beat French River goaltender Ben Montgomery on a wraparound in with 11 seconds to go in the extra frame to give the Thunderbirds the win.

Rylan Clemons had the other goal for the Thunderbirds while goaltender Sam Evola stopped 30 shots.

Montgomery finished the night with 48 saves.

Jack Tos had the lone goal for French River.

The Thunderbirds improve to 19-12-1-3 with the win and move one point ahead of the Soo (Mich.) Eagles in the West Division standings.

The Rapids fall to 8-20-4-1.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Dec. 20 on the road against the Eagles at Pullar Stadium in the Michigan Sault.