By Matt Stefano
On Saturday night, the Soo Thunderbirds played their final road game for the month of September as they visited the Rayside Balfour Canadians, who were having their home opener.
This marked the first time these two clubs met since the T-Birds beat them in their home opener by a 6-2 score at the John Rhodes Community Centre back on September 10th, 2016.
Saturday night also marked the debut of two newly acquired T-Birds, including defenceman Jake Reed and forward Austin Kozluk.
The T-Birds went into Chelmsford Arena on Saturday night and spoiled the Canadians home opener by blanking them by a score of 3-0.
Third year forward Matt Caruso led the way offensively for the T-Birds with a goal and two assists while second year forward Mark Tassone chipped in with two helpers.
Keenan Eddy and Alec Allen had a power play goal each for the Soo while Justin Ryyppo and Zach Senecal had an assist each.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan product Brandon Gordon made twenty three saves for his first shutout of the season.
MacKenzie Savard gave up three goals on thirty six shots for the Canadians loss.
With the win, the T-Birds will now hop over the Blind River Beavers for first place in the West Division with a record of 5-1.
The Beavers, who lost 6-0 to the Powassan Voodoos on Saturday night now have their record at 4-2.
The T-Birds will now return to Essar Centre ice on Sunday, September 25th against the Iroquois Falls Eskis at 2:00 p.m.
ALUMNI NEWS
Former T-Birds forward Darian Pilon scored his first career OHL goal on Friday, September 23rd against the Oshawa Generals.
Pilon’s goal came with just thirty seconds to go in the second period as the Sudbury Wolves went on to edge the Oshawa Generals 4-3 at the Sudbury Arena.
(Photo of Brandon Gordon credit to Jim Egan)
