The Soo Thunderbirds began the new year with a big road win over the Sudbury Junior Wolves in the Nickel City on Wednesday night.
Chris Towell broke a tie game with the lone goal of the third period with 1:53 remaining to lift the Thunderbirds to a 5-4 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League win.
Ryan Maunu paced the Thunderbirds attack with two goals and two assists while Adam Kauppi and Tyler Gendron added singles.
Towell added an assist in the win while Kyle Rodgers set up a pair.
Scott Lavigne, Jesse Graham, Brian McGarry and Daniel Frawley replied with goals for the Wolves.
The Thunderbirds are back in action on Saturday night in Blind River against the Beavers at 7:30 p.m.