It was the first game action of the season for the team and, with a short bench, it was an opportunity for some young players to strut their stuff.
Playing with just 13 skaters, the Soo Thunderbirds picked up a 3-2 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League exhibition victory over the Soo (Mich.) Eagles on Thursday afternoon at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Thunderbirds coach John Parco spoke highly of the younger players in the game.
“They did really well,” Thunderbirds coach John Parco said of the younger players in the contest. “Jake Kovacs and Ty Zachary, they did really well.”
Parco added that a game like Thursday’s is an opportunity to earn a roster spot.
“A lot of kids don’t understand that, they just want everything right away instead of earning it,” Parco said. “Those are kids (Kovacs and Zachary) that came into camp and worked hard and they’re here to play and we’re giving them an opportunity. Instead of wanting everything right away, sometimes in hockey, things come unexpectedly. They’re going to get a chance to play more often for us.”
Matt Bazarin and Nick Smith had a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds with Bazarin’s power play goal in the third period being the game-winner. Will Josephson also scored for the Thunderbirds.
Goaltender Colin Ahern made 33 saves.
Raf Praysner and Ryan Dacks scored for the Eagles while goaltender Shane Brancato stopped 38 shots.
The two teams are set to meet again in a second exhibition match on Friday evening, also at the John Rhodes and Parco said he expects a couple more bodies in the lineup though there are some other players away at major junior camps whose status remains up in the air for Friday.
Parco said he expects Chase MacIntyre and Tyler Dunbar to return but was awaiting word on others.
The Thunderbirds open regular season action on Sept. 7 at home against the Eagles. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 7 p.m.