Thunderbirds open weekend with victory

A busy weekend opened on a positive note for the Soo Thunderbirds on Friday night.

In the first game of a home-and-home series with the Soo (Mich.) Eagles, the Thunderbirds scored three times in the third period to beat their Michigan rivals 4-1 at Pullar Stadium in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action.

Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon was solid, stopping 37 shots in the victory, including 16 in the final period.

Nick Smith had a goal and an assist for the Thunderbirds.

Braden King, Camaryn Baber and Noah Solinger also scored.

Jacob Palmerio had the lone goal for the Eagles while goaltender Shane Brancato made 23 saves.

The win improves the Thunderbirds record to 27-8-2-1. The team sits three points ahead of the Blind River Beavers atop the NOJHL’s West Division standings.

The Eagles fall to 23-15-0-1.

The weekend continues for both teams on Saturday night as they meet in the back-end of the home-and-home set, this time at the John Rhodes Community Centre. Puck drop for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. The Thunderbirds then wrap up weekend action on Sunday afternoon in a 3 p.m. start at the John Rhodes against the Espanola Express.