Semi-final beginnings
Six of the eight teams that are still in the playoff picture saw action on Thursday as home teams took all three semi-final openers in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
TIMMINS 6, FRENCH RIVER 2
Gavin McCarthy made 19 saves and Nicolas Pigeon, Tyler Schwindt, Gabi Kioki and Liam Wells all had four point outings as the Timmins Rock cuffed the French River Rapids before more than 800 fans at McIntyre Arena. (above photo by Thomas Perry.) Game 2 is slated for tonight in Timmins.
HEARST 4, POWASSAN 1
Liam Oxner made 37 saves and Riley Klugerman netted a pair of goals as the Hearst Lumberjacks upended the Powassan Voodoos. Game 2 goes tonight in Hearst.
SOO 3, BLIND RIVER 2
Youssef Chaouachi, Michael Chaffay and Kelsey Ouellet had solo tallies as the Soo Thunderbirds hung on to edge Blind River Beavers, who got 31 saves from Patrick Boivin. The contest was the fourth in as many nights for Blind River, which ousted the Elliot Lake Red Wings two games to one in the West Division preliminary round series. Game 2 is Saturday evening in the Soo.
SUDBURY AT SOO EAGLES
The other semi-final set begins tonight at Pullar Stadium in the Michigan Soo when the Eagles play host to the Sudbury Cubs.
