Thunderbirds sweep weekend games

After scoring four times in the opening period, the Soo Thunderbirds would eventually need those extra goals on Sunday night.

The Thunderbirds skated to an 8-4 victory over the Elliot Lake Wildcats in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action on the John Rhodes Community Centre.

Tyler Malpass and Braden Robbins had a goal and three assists each to pace the Thunderbirds offensively. Tanner Mayne chipped in with a pair of goals for the home side.

Nolan Ford, Kaidan McDonald and Noah Solinger had a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds. Brendan Miller also scored.

Eric Schuch made 17 saves for the Thunderbirds.

Evan Spencer had a goal and two assists for Elliot Lake. Jacob Kelly chipped in with a goal and an assist while Cole Burton and Brett Crook also scored for the Wildcats.

Parker Simpson got the start in goal for Elliot Lake and made 31 saves.

On Saturday night, a goal by Malpass at 16:56 of the second period held up as the game-winner as the Thunderbirds beat the Blind River Beavers 2-1 in Blind River.

Nick Smith also scored for the Thunderbirds while goaltender Brandon Gordon made 32 saves.

Garret Boyonoski made 33 saves for the Beavers. Jack Rudin had the lone goal for Blind River.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Wednesday night at home against the Espanola Express. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 7:30 p.m.