Thunderbirds snap winless skid

The Soo Thunderbirds snapped a six-game losing skid on Friday night.

Playing the second game of a home-and-home series with the Blind River Beavers, the Thunderbirds exploded offensively in an 8-2 win over the Beavers at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

Jacob Kovacs scored a pair of goals to pace the Thunderbirds offensively.

Playing in his second game with the team, newly acquired forward Colton Hayes assisted on four goals.

Tyler Dunbar and Cooper Smyl chipped in with a goal and an assist each.

Kurtis Rogers, Mackenzie Walker, Tyler Savard, and Matthew Bazarin also scored for the Thunderbirds while Cam Findlay assisted on a pair of goals.

Goaltender Dakota Meyer stopped 40 shots for the Thunderbirds.

Andrew Malek had a goal and an assist for the Beavers. Milos Todorovic also scored.

Jonathan Lemaire got the start for the Beavers, making 33 saves before being pulled after the Thunderbirds fifth goal.

Odyssey Hopkin stopped five of the eight shots he faced in relief.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Saturday night at home against the Espanola Express. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community centre is set for 7 p.m.