Thunderbirds force game six

Facing elimination, the Soo Thunderbirds needed some timely scoring on Saturday night.

Staring at a 3-1 series deficit against the Soo (Mich.) Eagles, the Thunderbirds forced a sixth game thanks to a 3-0 victory over the Eagles in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

With the game scoreless in the middle period, Kaiden McDonald scored the Thunderbirds first goal since Nick Smith scored 1:17 into the second period of game two. 

“It was huge to get the monkey off our back,” Thunderbirds Coach John Parco said of the goal. “You’ve just got to battle away and find a way to score.”

Camaryn Baber added a power play goal late in the second period to increase the lead.

Mark Tassone added a second power play goal late in the third period to seal the victory 

Pleased with the effort, Parco spoke of the scoring chances the Thunderbirds were able to generate in game five, as well as the game four loss.

“It was a great effort,” Parco said. “It was similar to last night (game four), and we just couldn’t score.

“The only thing we were missing (in game four) was a couple of goals and it could have been a different game but tonight we got the goals,” Parco added.

Thunderbirds goaltender Eric Schuch made 27 saves for the shutout.

Carter McPhail, who was in goal for the Eagles shutout wins in games three and four, made 26 saves.

The Thunderbirds will look to again avoid elimination in game six on Monday night at Pullar Stadium in Sault, Mich. If necessary, game seven is Wednesday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre.