Thunderbirds winning streak hits seven

The Soo Thunderbirds winning streak extended to seven games on Thursday night.

A pair of late goals were ultimately the difference for the Thunderbirds in a 5-3 win over the Rayside Balfour Canadians in Chelmsford in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action.

A goal by Kaidan McDonald with 1:57 to go in regulation time was the game-winner while Nick Smith sealed the win with a goal in the final minute for the Thunderbirds.

Smith finished the day with three goals for the Thunderbirds, giving him 23 on the season. Noah Solinger had the other Sault goal.

Thunderbirds goaltender Brandon Gordon made 32 saves.

Rayside goaltender Brayden Lachance made 43 saves while Noah Serre scored a pair of goals.

James White chipped in with a goal and an assist for the Canadians. Ryan O’Bonsawin assisted on a pair of goals.

The win improves the Thunderbirds record to 21-7-2-0 and moves the team five points ahead of the Blind River Beavers atop the NOJHL’s West Division standings.

Meanwhile, Rayside falls to 18-9-1-1 and sits third in the West, one point behind Blind River.

The two teams will meet again on Friday night in the second game of a home-and-home series as it shifts to Sault Ste. Marie’s John Rhodes Community Centre. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Thunderbirds will then take on the Soo (Mich.) Eagles on Saturday night, also at the John Rhodes. Prior to the game, the team will honour former netminder Michael Doan by retiring his jersey.