Thunderbirds continue winning ways

The Soo Thunderbirds continued to roll on Sunday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre as they improved their record to 7-0-2 with a 7-2 victory over the visiting Rayside Balfour Sabrecats in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play. A four goal first period got the ball rolling for the locals as goals by Alex Butkus, who was named the game's first star, Matt Dias, Mike McMillan and Aaron Anderson gave the Thunderbirds a comfortable lead. After dominating the opening period, the Thunderbirds were out shot in the middle frame 13-5 but did manage to up the score as Kelly Thomson scored his fourth goal of the season to give the home side a 5-0 lead heading into the final frame. The Sabrecats began to show some life in the third period. After Butkus and McMillan scored to give the Thunderbirds a 7-0 lead, Jerry Brouse, on the power play, and Rory Wilson, shorthanded scored to cut the lead to 7-2 but it wasn't enough as the Thunderbirds cruised to the win. Thunderbirds assistant coach Rob Stopar, filling in for head coach Jim Capy who is serving a four game suspension, credited the Sabrecats following the game. "They're a lot younger now," Stopar said. "Their days of loading up (with veteran talent) are over. It's definitely a different look. They worked really hard tonight." Stopar, although happy with the win, said that consistency was lacking in the effort, particularly after taking a 4-0 lead after one period. "When you don't play well away from the puck it's tough," Stopar added. "You head into the second period up four, you hope guys aren't satisfied with that and want more. Guys tend to get lazy. You can't get away with playing a shift here and a shift there, you have to be consistent." Thunderbirds goaltender Mike Downer wasn't extremely busy stopping 18 of 20 Rayside shots on the night. At the other end, Rayside goaltender Paul Dainton stopped 30 Thunderbird shots directed his way. The Thunderbirds now have some time off before their next game as they do not play again until they face the Blind River Beavers on October 15 at the John Rhodes Centre. On October 17, the North Bay Skyhawks are in town and the Thunderbirds cap off their homestand on October 19 with another game against Rayside Balfour. Brad Coccimiglio