SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League rivals, in the Soo Thunderbirds and Soo Eagles, produced another tightly-contested match-up Friday with the visitors earning a hard-fought 2-1 decision at Pullar Stadium in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., in front of 762 fans.
Tight-checking and solid goaltending was the standard throughout a scoreless first and second periods thanks to the efforts of goalkeepers Brandon Gordon of the Thunderbirds and the Eagles’ Carter McPhail.
It was the Eagles that broke the ice first 2:45 into the final frame as Jake Lamberty picked up his fourth goal of the season.
The Thunderbirds battled back to level the proceedings however thanks to a Tyler Malpass power play marker near the midway point of the third, which saw him score for a seventh straight outing.
The visitors then completed their mini comeback by collecting the game-winner off the stick of Nick Smith with 4:13 left in regulation to round out the night’s scoring.
Gordon was great for the Thunderbirds finishing up with 39 saves to record the victory.
McPhail meanwhile faced 23 shots in defeat for the Eagles.