It was expected to be a tight series and it came down to a seventh game decided by one goal.
The Soo Thunderbirds have advanced to the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s West Division final against the Rayside-Balfour Canadians following a 3-2 victory over the Soo (Mich.) Eagles Wednesday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
The win gives the Thunderbirds a 4-3 series victory over the Eagles.
After power play goals by Jacob Palmerio and Hayden Clark gave the Eagles a 2-0 lead, the Thunderbirds scored three unanswered goals, including the game-winner by Nick Smith at 12:41 of the third period, to pick up the victory.
Smith and defenceman Robert Calisti had a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds while Spencer Van Tiem also scored. Mark Tassone set up a pair of goals for the Thunderbirds.
Goaltender Eric Schuch made 31 saves for the Thunderbirds.
Carter McPhail made 19 saves for the Eagles.
The Thunderbirds series with the Canadians begins on Friday night in Chelmsford with game two the following night.
The series will then shift to Sault Ste. Marie for games three and four. Game three is April 4 while game four is the following night. Puck drop for both games is set for 7:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.