Thunderbirds score big win over Wildcats

A five-goal first period lifted the Soo Thunderbirds to a convincing Northern Ontario Junior Hockley League win over the Elliot Lake Wildcats on Wednesday night.

The quick start helped the Thunderbirds to a 9-1 win at the John Rhodes Community Centre Wednesday.

The team has now won eight of their last 10 games and improved to 12-9-1-2 overall.

Colton Hayes paced the Thunderbirds with two goals and two assists while Avery Rebek also had four points with a goal and three assists.

Matthew Bazarin scored twice as well.

Nolan Ford, MacKenzie Walkington, and Nick Smith added a goal and an assist each.

Cam Findlay had the other Sault goal. Tyler Savard set up three goals.

Goaltender Dakota Meyer stopped 18 shots in two periods of action. Gavin Disano played the third period and stopped all three shots he faced in the frame.

Disano, who plays with the Great North Midget League’s Soo Jr. Greyhounds, joined the Thunderbirds for the game after the team dealt veteran goaltender Colin Ahern to the Alberta League’s Drumheller Dragons.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Nov. 15 on the road against the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.

Former Thunderbirds defenceman, and Sault product, Steven Bellini has committed to play NCAA hockey in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Bellini, who is playing this season with the Coquitlam Express of the British Columbia Hockey League, has committed to Minnesota State.