T-Birds, Elliot Lake at Rankin tonight
Soo Thunderbirds will play an away game without leaving home tonight.
Huh?
The Thunderbirds will take on the Elliot Lake Bobcats at 7 p.m. tonight in a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League game that was supposed to be played in Elliot Lake.
But Bobcats management asked that the game be moved to the Soo — specifically Rankin Arena on Batchewana First Nation — and the request was granted.
Thus, it will be the first-place Thunderbirds facing off against the fifth-place Bobcats tonight at 7 p.m. at Rankin Arena.
With a record of 40-4-2, the Thunderbirds have won 22 straight games. But in their last outing, the Thunderbirds needed a shorthanded goal in the third period to edge Elliot Lake 3-2 at the Essar Centre.
Elliot Lake takes a very-respectable record of 20-18-5 into tonight’s game.
Why did Elliot Lake agree to move the game to the Sault and why the Rankin Arena in particular? Thank you
Ed, Elliot Lake wanted the game in the Soo, not sure why. Might have something to do with low attendance in Elliot Lake. As for why it’s being held at Rankin, I think you will see that arena being home to a junior team in a couple of years, once new dressing room is built to house a home team. Just my thoughs. Regards, Randy
I think I was being abit selfish for once and thought this would be the right time and perfect venue to play a Junior A game there. I grew up across the tracks from the arena on Dacey Rd till I was 11. I played all my youth hockey out of that arena back when it was the SRHA and have had very fond memories of the place. I still remember all their staff by names as that place was my favorite hang out. There was Uncle Buck, Hank, Ralph,Cindy and Dan.
Our attendance in Elliot Lake on any other nights other then Friday was what came into play here as we are lucky to draw 40 to 60 walkins. Fridays is our only draw here. So why not its perfect time and perfect venue as I will not be surprised if you will see 300 or so fans out tonight especially with it being where it is and all the First Nation players that play Junior hockey on the T-birds. I have also joined up with Garden River’s little NHL team and they will play in between periods and also keep all proceeds from fundraising towards their trip!