SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – James Lin’s first Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League goal, coming nearly seven minutes in the second period, held up as the game-winner as the Blind River Beavers went on to edge the Soo Thunderbirds 2-1 Sunday afternoon at John Rhodes Community Centre.
Going to work on an early power play, the Thunderbirds’ Callum McAuley took a cross-ice pass in the right circle from Gavin Killoran and proceeded to roof it on Beavers’ netminder Mason Janicki, 3:46 into the contest.
Tying it up in the final minute of the first period, Blind River’s Jonah McIndoo notched his 10th goal of the season when he knocked down a clearing attempt in the Sault Ste. Marie zone then eventually stuffed in a loose puck off a Ryder Hill attempt after Soo starter Cameron Boville made a point-blank stop off the initial chance.
In the middle session, the Beavers then took the lead during a man advantage as Ellyott Dundas weaved through defenders with a purpose then sent a crisp pass over to Lin, who whipped it over the blocker of Boville at 6:40.
Tightening up from there, Blind River carried their slim cushion into the final frame.
Still 2-1 Beavers late in regulation, the Soo got Boville out for an extra attacker and had a glorious chance to tie it and force overtime in the waning moments, but an in-close came just missed as it rang off the post and stayed out moments prior to time expiring.
The victory was the second of the weekend for Blind River helping them improve to 9-12-0-3 overall.
In suffering the narrow defeat, the Thunderbirds dipped to 17-8-1-1 on the season.
