Day 2 showcase details
The two-day, Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League showcase event wrapped up on Wednesday with all 12 teams again in action at Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Hearst 4, Soo Eagles 2. An empty-net goal by the reigning NOJHL champion Lumberjacks ended a goaltenders duel between Liam Oxner of Hearst and Ryan Gilmore of the Michigan Soo.
Rayside Balfour 3, Kirkland Lake 0. Nick Heinzle posted the shutout as the Canadians whitewashed the Gold Miners.
French River 5, Blind River 2. Chase Johnson made 35 saves as coach Corey Bricknell’s Rapids bested the Beavers despite being out-shot.
Timmins 8, Elliot Lake 2. The Rock rang up six third-period goals to improve its season record to 12-1-1 with the decisive romp over the win-less Wildcats.
Powassan 5, Espanola 2. The Voodoos vaulted their season record to 13-1-0 behind three goals from Parker Bowman that halted the Express.
Soo Thunderbirds 4, Cochrane 1. Tyler Savard tallied twice as the Birds chirped the Crunch.
PHOTO: Day 2 action between the Soo Eagles and Hearst Lumberjacks.
The Beavers are coming down to earth.
Two things are apparent, The Hearst Lumberjacks are far and away the best team in the league and the Thunderbirds are having trouble playing a game without earning a suspension. The latter is of concern and when injured players get carried off the ice it stops being fun.