Despite a third period rally, the Soo Thunderbirds fell short on Wednesday night and dropped back in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League western division standings.
Trailing 4-1 heading into the third period, the Thunderbirds scored twice but could not come up with the equalizer as the Northern Michigan Black Bears held on for a 4-3 win over the Thunderbirds in St. Ignace.
Meanwhile in Blind River, the Beavers scored five first period goals in a 7-4 win over the Manitoulin Wild.
The Thunderbirds loss and Beavers win allows Blind River to take a two point lead over the Soo for second place in the division and home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Chris Kraft and Ryan Behnke scored to give the Black Bears a 2-0 loead after one period.
Following Matt Caria's goal 24 seconds into the second period, Jim Clegarek and Jordan Boman put Northern Michigan, who outshot the Thunderbirds 36-23, ahead 4-1 heading into the final frame.
Kyle Rodgers started the Thunderbirds rally with a goal 21 seconds into the third period before Pat Keating pulled the team to within one with 1:20 left in regulation time.
Keating added an assist for the Birds while Clegarek, Boman and Behnke also added an assist each. Michael Maulucci took the loss in goal while Northern Michigan's Michael Bell got the win.
The Thunderbirds, who have three regular season games remaining, are back in action on Friday night on Manitoulin Island against the Wild.
To view a gallery of photos, courtesy of Jim Egan, from the Thunderbirds win over Manitoulin on Sunday, click here.