SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – The Soo Eagles got two goals and assist from Joel Brandinger to help propel them to a convincing 6-3 decision over the Soo Thunderbirds in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League cross-border rivalry match-up Saturday at John Rhodes Community Centre.
Special teams helped the Eagles capitalize twice in the first period as they hit the opening intermission with a 2-0 lead.
Chase Tallaire got the Michigan Soo going seven and a half minutes in as he scored on the power play to put the guests in front.
Then down a skater late in the session Brandinger struck shorthanded at 17:43 as his 17th of the season made it 2-0.
In the second, the Thunderbirds clicked quickly to cut into the deficit with Colton Hayes supplying his 13th at 1:09.
The Eagles got that back though before the contest was halfway down compliments of a Bobby Price effort.
Not done there, Brandinger added a extra skater goal moments later, which was followed by a George Orfanos man-down tally to make it 5-1.
They could have had another is the session, but John McLaughlin was thwarted on a penalty shot.
In the third, Jake Lamberty added another for the Eagles before the Thunderbirds’ Rylan Clemons and Will Josephson rounded out the scoring with late tallies.
Making his NOJHL debut, Gabe Rosek finished with 36 stops to pick-up the win.
Meyer suffered the loss allowing four on 18 chances while Sam Evola handled 18 or 20 in nearly 30 minutes of relief.
Game Photos: Brad Coccimiglio -Sports Reporter | SooToday.com
