Thunderbirds stifle Rayside shooters

After a big win over Sudbury on Sunday, the Soo Thunderbirds continued where they left off on Thursday night in Rayside Balfour.

Backed by a 31 save performance from Jarrett Michaels, the Thunderbirds scored three times in the second period and twice in the third to secure a 5-0 road victory over the Sabrecats.

With the win, the Thunderbirds improve to 24-8-5-1 for 54 points and build their West Division lead over the Northern Michigan Black Bears to 10 points. The Soo sits nine points behind the North Bay Skyhawks with two games in hand for the league lead.

After the teams played to a scoreless opening period, the Thunderbirds jumped all over the Sabrecats with a pair of quick goals midway through the frame.

Kelly Thomson, who had a solid game for the T-Birds, opened the scoring on the power play before Aaron Anderson scored 36 seconds later. Thomson, who also added a pair of assists, scored his second of the game unassisted late in the period.

Matt Dias put the Soo ahead 4-0 with a power play goal in the third period while Tom Vernelli added another to close the scoring. The Thunderbirds outshot Rayside 51-31.

The Thunderbirds will now enjoy a vacation from the schedule as the team will not be back in action until Friday, Feb. 20 against the Manitoulin Wild at the John Rhodes Community Centre to begin a three-game home stand.