Thunderbirds fall in trip finale

A weekend Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League road trip ended on a sour note for the Soo Thunderbirds on Sunday night.

The Thunderbirds dropped a 7-3 decision to the Rayside-Balfour Canadians Sunday at Chelmsford Arena.

Oliver Smith scored three times for the Canadians while Mitchell Martin chipped in with a goal and three assists.

Nick DeGrazia had a goal and an assist for the Canadians.

Gregory Arnburg amd Samuel Vachon also had two-point nights with two assists each.

Gavin Brown and Mathieu Dokis-Dupuis also scored.

Rayside goaltender David Bowen stopped 36 shots.

Rylan Clemons and Cooper Smyl had a goal and an assist each for the Thunderbirds.

Colton Hayes had the other Sault goal.

Jacob Kovacs assisted on a pair of goals for the Thunderbirds.

Goaltender Sam Evola made 29 saves.

The loss drops the Thunderbirds record to 28-16-2-3.

Rayside improves to 34-10-3-1 and takes a two-point lead over the Blind River Beavers atop the NOJHL’s West Division.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Feb. 15 at home against Rayside-Balfour. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 7 p.m.