Thunderbirds skate past Beavers

The Soo Thunderbirds scored four times in the first period and held on for a 7-5 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League road victory over the Blind River Beavers on Saturday night.

Ryan Maunu scored twice while Kyle Rodgers and Ben Davey added one each to spot the Thunderbirds a 4-0 lead and chase Beavers goaltender Andre Laperriere from the game just 14:12 into the first period.

But the Beavers stormed back in the second period and pulled back to within a goal as Matt French and Shane Bailey scored on the power play and Sam Yearsley added another at even strength.

Just 1:02 after Yearsley's goal, Justin Shelleby beat Beavers goaltender Donnie Bruni for a 5-3 Thunderbirds lead after two periods.

In the third period, the Beavers again pulled to within one on a goal by Jesse Gionette but Adam Kauppi and Tyler Gendron scored to give the Thunderbirds an insurmountable lead. Shane Barclay completed the scoring with his second of the night.

Maunu added a pair of assists for a four point night and the first star selection. Gendron and Kauppi each picked up an assist while Michael Maulucci recorded the win in goal.

The victory improves the Thunderbirds record to 8-4 and gives the team a three point lead over the Northern Michigan Black Bears for first place in the western division. Blind River falls to 6-7 on the year and remain in third spot.

The Thunderbirds are back on the road next weekend against North Bay on Friday, Abitibi on Saturday and Manitoulin on Sunday.