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Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
Coming off a tough 3-2 overtime loss in Blind River, Ontario, on Thursday, March 27th, the Soo Thunderbirds returned home to the John Rhodes Centre on Saturday, March 29th, determined to even the series at three games apiece. Facing elimination in game six of their best-of-seven NOJHL quarter-final series against the Blind River Beavers, the Thunderbirds delivered a dominant performance, securing a crucial 3-0 win.
The home crowd ignited early as Callum McAuley put the Thunderbirds on the board at 11:10 of the opening period, beating Beavers’ netminder Connor Durham-Fox for his fourth goal of the postseason. Assists on the play went to Harley Wardell and Declan Gallivan, giving the Soo a 1-0 edge.
With a tightly contested second period yielding no goals, the Thunderbirds extended their lead in the third. At 4:19, James Elliot capitalized on a prime opportunity, notching his second goal of the playoffs unassisted to make it 2-0. The Thunderbirds continued to press, and at 15:19, Jacob Smith found the back of the net for his second goal of the series, with Wardell registering his second point of the night on the assist.
Veteran goaltender Noah Metivier stood tall between the pipes, turning aside every shot he faced to earn the shutout and secure the must-win victory for the Thunderbirds.
With the decisive 3-0 win, the Soo Thunderbirds have forced a game seven against the Blind River Beavers. The series finale is set for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop in Blind River, where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round of the NOJHL playoffs.
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