Thunderbirds rank 7th in Canada
Submitted By Marc Capancioni on Thursday, February 02, 2012
Following a thrilling overtime finish on the weekend, the Soo Thunderbirds had a couple reasons to celebrate. For starters, the 4-3 win against their cross-border rival, Soo Eagles, increases the T-birds’ perch atop the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, given them an eight-point lead on the second-place Michigan squad.
The win also led the Thunderbirds to be ranked seventh overall in the 131-team Canadian Jr. Hockey League, of which the NOJHL is a member. The position is the highest ever for the team.
In Saturday’s game at the Essar Centre, held in front of nearly 400 spectators, the Eagles opened up the scoring half way through the first period. The teams then traded goals for the remainder of regulation, with Micky Sartoretto, Kurtis Barbarie and Nick Romano scoring for the Thunderbirds. Forward Matt Amadio ended the game in overtime, giving the home team the win.
The previous night, the Thunderbirds lost to the Eagles at Pullar Stadium, in what was the first in a home-and-away weekend series. And with just eight games to go until playoffs begin, Saturday’s rematch was the key for the Thunderbirds.
“We knew we had to come out strong if we wanted to make up for (our loss) Friday,” said head coach Preston Mizzi.
The Thunderbirds play back-to-back games at home this Friday and Saturday, when they take on the Blind River Beavers and Sudbury Cubs. Both games are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre. For full schedule and other information, visitwww.tbirdhockey.ca.
For more information, please contact:
KEVIN CAIN
General Manager
Soo Thunderbirds
705-989-5001
[email protected]
