Border battle shootout
Soo Eagles have moved to the .500 level following a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory over the cross-border Soo Thunderbirds.
More than 800 fans took in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League match on Friday night at Pullar Stadium in the Michigan Soo.
The Thunderbirds took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Orrin Grangroth before Blake Vaca tied it up for the Eagles.
Matthew Bazarin then gave the Thunderbirds a 2-1 lead before Ryan Dacks and Tucker Harris scored to give the Eagles their first advantage of the contest.
But the Thunderbirds forced overtime when Kurtis Rogers scored with just over three minutes to play in the third period.
The Thunderbirds carried momentum into overtime but Eagles goalie Shane Brancato held the fort and forced the shootout.
The Eagles then outscored the Thunderbirds 2-1 in the shootout to win their second straight decision over their Twin Soo rivals.
The victory for the Eagles improves their record to 3-3-2 on the season while the Thunderbirds fall to 3-6-2.
PHOTO: Soo Eagles goalie Shane Brancato stops Soo Thunderbirds forward Daniel Bazarin in the shootout.
