Vernelli paces T-Birds to win

For Soo Thunderbirds forward Tom Vernelli, Friday night's Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League game against the Abitibi Eskimos was one that saw everything go right for the 20-year-old. Vernelli scored all four Thunderbirds goals as the locals beat the Eskimos 4-2, a win that improves their home record to a perfect 2-0. The Thunderbirds improved their overall record this season to 5-0-1, which is good for top spot in the NOJHL. Vernelli and his linemates, Alex Butkus and D.J. Jelitto, combined for 8 points on the night. Jelitto had 3 assists whicle Butkus also chipped in with an assist. The Thunderbirds got the ball rolling 7:24 into the opening period when Vernelli beat Abitibi goaltender Cedric Bradette to give the locals an early lead. At 15:56 Abitibi's Adam Chircoski scored the first of two power play goals for the Eskimos when he beat Soo goaltender Mike Downer high to the glove side. Vernelli put the locals ahead minutes later when he scored his second of the night at 18:17 of the opening frame. Just 20 seconds later, Vernelli completed the hat trick cutting around an Abitibi defenceman and beating Bradette to give the Thunderbirds a 3-1 lead after one period. The Eskimos cut the lead to one goal in the opening minute of the second period as Luc Champagne scored on the power play 0:55 into the period. Vernelli capped off the scoring at the 18:04 mark of the period when he scored his fourth of the night while the teams were playing four players aside. In goal, Downer stopped 23 of the 25 Abitibi shots directed his way while Bradette was busier stopping 40 Thunderbirds shots en route to being named the game's second star. The Thunderbirds now have a day off before taking to the ice on Sunday evening when the Northern Michigan Black Bears pay a visit to the John Rhodes Community Centre. Game time is 6 p.m. In NOJHL action on Thursday night, the Blind River Beavers defeated the Rayside Balfour Sabrecats 4-3.