Photos: Caleigh Fera – Points North Media
SUDBURY, Ont. – An Aiden Atkinson goal 3:43 into the third period proved to be the game-winner as the Soo Thunderbirds went on to defeat the Blind River Beavers 3-1 Wednesday afternoon at the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League Showcase, presented by the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, in Sudbury.
Striking first, Sault Ste. Marie’s Gavin Killoran’s spinning pass over to Landon Hill allowed the latter to lift in a backhand on Blind River starter Mason Janicki just over six minutes into the proceedings.
Tying it early in the middle stanza, the Beavers’ Ellyott Dundas knocked in a loose puck laying in front after a point shot from teammate Shea Crewson made its way there for his first NOJHL goal, that eluded Soo netminder Nathan Maguire.
Still even into the final frame, the T-Birds broke the deadlock when Atkinson fired a shot through a screen in the high slot that got through Janicki.
More from the Soo under three minutes later saw Frankie Reda click on the power play for his first NOJHL goal as he cranked in a one-timer from the left side off a sharp cross-ice pass from Callum McAuley.
Blind River got their goalie out in the late going in an effort to pull closer, but the Thunderbirds did what was required to prevent any further scoring in closing out the victory.
Picking up player of the game honours for their respective teams were Atkinson and the Beavers’ Mattis Lafond.
