Thunderbirds split final two games of weekend

The Soo Thunderbirds finished with two of a possible six points after splitting the final two games of a three-game weekend set.

On Saturday in Blind River, the Thunderbirds defeated the Beavers 5-3 before dropping a 4-3 decision to the Northern Michigan Black Bears on Sunday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

The Thunderbirds opened the weekend on Friday at home with a 6-4 loss to the Sudbury Junior Wolves.

On Saturday, Zac McNally scored twice and added an assist to lead the Thunderbirds, who scored four times in the second period, in Blind River.

Drew Jarrett, Nick Minardi and Adam Kauppi also scored for the Soo. Kyle Rodgers and Kauppi recorded two assists each while Jarrett set up another. Travis O’Brien took the win in goal stopping 24 of 27 shots.

Scott Ponstien, Lance McMahon and Nick Jelitto replied for the Beavers while Donnie Bruni, who stopped 26 of 31 shots, took the loss in net.

On Sunday, a late rally attempt wasn’t enough as the Black Bears, who scored three times in the second period, hung on for the victory.

With the Thunderbirds trailing 4-1, Ryan Maunu scored on the power play with 3:09 remaining in the third period before Tyler Gendron added another with 1:41 left to close the gap to 4-3.

McNally scored the other Thunderbird goal in the first period while Gendron added a pair of assists. O’Brien was tagged with the loss.

Sean Farley, James Ciotti, Anthony Perdicaro and Jake Watchorn scored for the Black Bears while Tony Stoehr took the win in goal.

The Thunderbirds now sit a 14-8 and hold just a three point lead on Northern Michigan, who has two games in hand, for first place in the western division.

After a 10-day layoff, the Thunderbirds will be back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 30 when the Beavers visit the Rhodes for a 7:30 p.m. start.

Fans will be able to hear all the action from the Beavers broadcast on SportsJuice.com.

(Photos from Sunday's game are courtesy of Jim Egan.)