T-Birds squeak past Rayside

The Soo Thunderbirds regained their winning ways on Sunday night with a 2-1 win over the Rayside Balfour Sabrecats.

It was the second game in as many nights for the Thunderbirds as the locals dropped a 4-1 decision to the Blind River Beavers on Saturday night in Blind River for their first loss of the season.

On Sunday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre, Adam Kauppi broke a 1-1 tie at 12:43 of the third period to lift the Thunderbirds to the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League win.

After a scoreless first period, Rayside opened the scoring in the second as Dylan Butterfly beat Thunderbirds goaltender Michael Maulucci. Kyle Rodgers scored a short time later on the power play to tie the game at 1-1.

Maulucci was solid in net stopping 30 of 31 shots in being named the game's first star. Rayside goaltender Paul Pidutti was also strong, stopping 33 of 35 shots.

Pat Keating, Ryan Maunu, Mark Thorburn and Billy Griffore each added an assist for the Thunderbirds, who dressed only 13 skaters for the game.

The win improves the Thunderbirds record to 3-1 for six points and a first place tie with the Manitoulin Wild.

The Thunderbirds will now enjoy a nine-day break before returning to NOJHL action on Sept. 29 in St. Ignace against the Northern Michigan Black Bears.

Next home action for the Soo is on Friday, October 1 against the Abitibi Eskimos at 7:30 p.m. at the Rhodes.

PHOTO: Thunderbirds forward Matt Dias (#4) sets a screen in front of the Rayside goaltender. (All photos courtesy of Jim Egan.)