Jr. A playoffs continue
Soo Thunderbirds, Timmins Rock, Powassan Voodoos, Dryden Ice Dogs and Sioux Lookout Bombers all registered wins on Saturday as best-of-seven playoff activity continued in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League and Superior International Jr. Hockey League.
NOJHL
Soo 5, Blind River 4. Jackson Truchan dished out four assists as the Thunderbirds took a 2-0 series lead with their second straight road win. Affiliate player Daniel Vasic, a sixth round pick by the Hamilton Bulldogs at the 2022 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft, scored twice for the Beavers.
Timmins 8, French River 0. The Rock took a 2-0 series lead on the Rapids before more than 800 fans at McIntyre Arena. Brady Harroun and Thomas Beard netted a pair of goals each in support of the 19-save shutout by rookie Jacob Brown, who is the top goalie prospect of the OHL’s Flint Firebirds.
Powassan 8, Hearst 4. The visiting Voodoos took the series opener led by two goals from Tucker Shields. Defenseman Adam Shillinglaw tallied twice in defeat for the Lumberjacks.
SIJHL
Dryden 9, Fort Frances 3. The Ice Dogs cuffed the Lakers led by two goals from each of Landen Stromme, Tyler Earl and Derek Koivisto. Dryden now has a 2-0 series lead.
Sioux Lookout. 8, Wisconsin 2. Bombers goalie Jake Manners made 52 saves to thwart the visiting Lumberjacks. Sioux Lookout now has a 2-0 series lead.