Thunderbirds fall in trip opener

In a battle of two of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s top teams, the Soo Thunderbirds opened up a weekend road trip with a loss on Friday night.

The Thunderbirds dropped a 4-1 decision to the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in Kirkland Lake.

Noah Boman had the lone goal for the Thunderbirds.

Goaltender Colin Ahern stopped 19 shots.

Aiden Wagner had two goals and an assist for the Gold Minders. Gregory Trudeau-Paquet chipped in with a goal and two assists. Vinny DeSanctis also had three points as he assisted on three Kirkland Lake goals.

Matthew Brassard had the other goal for the Gold Miners.

Kirkland Lake goaltender Gregory Brassard stopped 27 shots.

The Gold Miners move into a tie atop the NOJHL standings with the Thunderbirds at 53 points.

The Thunderbirds have a record of 26-9-0-1 while the Gold Miners have played one more game and have a record of 26-10-0-1.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Saturday night in Powassan against the Voodoos.