Thunderbirds strike early and often against Wildcats

An early lead lifted the Soo Thunderbirds to a convincing win on home ice on Wednesday night.

The Thunderbirds jumped out to a 4-1 lead through 20 minutes en route to a 7-2 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League win over the Elliot Lake Wildcats at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

Nick Smith led the way offensively for the Thunderbirds with a hat trick in the opening period and finished the night with four points.

Will Josephson and Kurtis Rogers had a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds.

Tyler Dunbar and Makenzie Walkington assisted on a pair of goals each.

Colton Hayes and Jacob Kovacs also scored for the Sault.

Goaltender Colin Ahern made 27 saves.

Elliot Lake goaltender Parker Simpson made 56 saves in the loss.

Eric Vanderhoff and Hayden Daca scored for the Wildcats.

The Thunderbirds improve to 9-9-1-2 while Elliot Lake falls to 3-15-1-0.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Friday night on the road in Elliot Lake against the Wildcats before hosting the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners on Sunday afternoon.