NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017
Eagles earn weekend split with Thunderbirds
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Soo Eagles got the game-winner from Jake Saxton and two assists courtesy of Chris Murphy as they defeated the Soo Thunderbirds 3-1 Saturday in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at Pullar Stadium.
A night after falling to the Thunderbirds at Essar Centre, the Eagles rebounded for a home ice victory of their own Saturday.
Neither side would get on the board in the opening frame with goaltenders Kade Phipps and Brandon Gordon keeping opposing shooters at bay.
Second period action saw the Eagles strike first as William Casey notched his 11th of the season at 5:58.
Saxton’s 15th of the campaign nine minutes later would prove to be the eventual difference maker as the home side went up by a pair.
A late power play allowed the T-Birds to cut into the deficit when Matt Caruso scored for the 21st time in 2016-17 at 19:12.
The Eagles came right back however as regained their two-goal lead just 26 seconds later compliments of Nate Harris.
Phipps shut the door the rest of the way, including 14 third period stops, to preserve the victory.
Shots on goal in the contest favoured the Eagles by a 39-37 count with Phipps picking up the win and Gordon the loss.
