File photo: Northern Exposures Photography
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – A solid effort to conclude their weekend saw the Soo Eagles skate to a 6-1 decision over the Elliot Lake Vikings Sunday to wrap-up a four-team Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League exhibition event at John Rhodes Community Centre.
Taking flight just over seven minutes into the match-up, the Eagles Carson Doxsey led a rush into the Vikings’ zone and eventually would slide a pass back to Trent Hoppe who fired a shot from a sharp angle that eluded netminder Eamon Callaghan.
Elliot Lake came back to tie it on a man advantage as they worked a play around nicely before Dylan Hendrick put an attempt by Sault Ste. Marie starter Gaetano Piccione.
Retaking the lead late in the frame, the Soo’s Tyler Fortson made an impressive end-to-end rush while cutting though defenders and burying a chance from the top of the crease.
Moving to the middle stanza, the Eagles went up by a pair after keeping a play in Vikings’ territory that led to an open Jack Ohlund sweeping one in while parked in front.
Third period play saw the Soo strike 26 seconds in when Alex Povorozniouk cranked a blast from the high slot appeared to be redirected in by Cooper Fredericks.
Extending their cushion, Brayden Loney jammed in a chance while battling in front to make it 5-1 Eagles.
Adding to their edge, Theodore Schubert darted down the left wing on a two-on-one and proceeded to roof one on Callaghan to round out the scoring.
Piccione finished with 30 saves in a winning cause while Callaghan faced as many shots in a losing cause.
Next up for the Eagles will be their NOJHL season opener at Espanola on Sept. 13, while the Vikings will commence their campaign on the road, at Powassan, Sept. 14.