TIMMINS, Ont. – Timmins Rock goaltender Tyler Masternak stopped all 18 shots he faced Sunday afternoon to post his Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League-leading fourth shutout of the season in a narrow 1-0 triumph over the Soo Thunderbirds in a matinee at McIntyre Arena.
Action in the opening 20 minutes saw Timmins hold the edge in shots, but neither side would connect offensively.
Moving on to the middle frame, a man advantage opportunity allowed Timmins struck first when Austin Holmes collected his first of the season at 11:43 as he converted during a Rock power play in what would be the day’s lone marker.
Masternak and the home side did the rest keeping Sault Ste. Marie at bay in the finale of their three-game road trip as the Thunderbirds were blanked for the second time in three games.
Colin Ahern faced 26 attempts in the close setback for the Soo.
With the result, Timmins (14-7-1-0) moves back into a share of top spot overall in the NOJHL standings with the Powassan Voodoos with 29 points apiece.
In defeat, the West Division-leading Thunderbirds fell to 14-5-0-0 as they stayed at 28 points in total.
Game Photos courtesy of Thomas Perry, The Daily Press (Timmins)