T-Birds mauled by Black Bears in OT

The Soo Thunderbirds made a late game surge to send the game into overtime but Northern Michigan rallied for the win in extra time.

Steve Kruzewski scored just over three minutes into the extra frame to lift the Northern Michigan Black Bears to a 4-3 win over the Thunderbirds in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action Wednesday night in St. Ignace.

With the loss, the Thunderbirds fall to 11-1-2-1 but hold a comfortable 13 point led over the Black Bears in the NOJHL's west division.

Alex Butkus and D.J. Jelitto scored in the first period to give the Thunderbirds a 2-1 lead after one period.

Tied at 2-2 after two periods, Northern Michigan took a 3-2 lead early in the third period before Tom Vernelli scored with 1:25 left in regulation to send the game into overtime for the Thunderbirds.

Thunderbirds goaltender Mike Downer stopped 35 of 39 shots while his team fired 42 shots at the Northern Michigan net.

The game was a relatively tame one with only one penalty called on each side in the first period.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Sunday as they visit the North Bay Skyhawks at 7 p.m.

The team returns home on Friday, November 7, with a match against Abitibi at 7:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

In other NOJHL action on Wednesday night, Jeffrey Christison scored twice to led the Sudbury Northern Wolves past the Blind River Beavers 4-3.