Thunderbirds fit to be tied in St. Ignace

The Soo Thunderbirds surrendered a 3-0 lead and settled for a 3-3 tie against the Northern Michigan Black Bears on Wednesday night.

In a potential playoff preview of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League Western Division championship series, the Thunderbirds took a 3-0 lead in the second period before allowing the Black Bears back into the game with a pair of quick goals midway through the frame.

Kelly Thomson scored for the Thunderbirds 3:01 into the first period before Aaron Anderson added a late marker to put the Thunderbirds ahead 2-0 after one period.

In the second period, Alex Butkus put the T-Birds ahead before Chris Kraft and Ben Biddick scored 2:15 apart to pull Northern Michigan back into the game.

Bill Griffore capped the scoring and tied the game for the Black Bears midway through the third period.

Jarrett Michaels started in goal for the Soo and stopped 35 of 38 shots.

The Thunderbirds have two games remaining on their regular season schedule. The locals will conclude their home portion of the schedule on Friday as the Manitoulin Wild visits the John Rhodes Community Centre.

In their final tune-up for the playoffs, the Thunderbirds visit the regular season league champion North Bay Skyhawks on Sunday night.