SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – Josh Norman’s first Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League goal, coming in his initial game with the Blind River Beavers, proved to be the game-winner as they edged the Soo Thunderbirds 2-1 Friday at John Rhodes Community Centre.
An early power play helped Sault Ste. Marie get on the board first as Tyler Malpass scored for an impressive sixth straight outing giving the Thunderbirds the night’s opening tally at 3:52 of the contest.
Blind River drew level in the final minute of the period thanks to Owen Robinson’s 13th goal of the season, which came at 19:13, as he ran a point streak to five straight in the process.
The Beavers then struck again late in the middle stanza with newcomer Norman connecting in his NOJHL debut giving the visitors the lead with 53 seconds left in the frame.
It remained a tight-defensive battle the rest of the way with Blind River netminder Michael Corson making 26 saves in all to record his club’s fifth straight victory.
Brandon Gordon meanwhile faced 31 attempts in a narrow setback for the Soo, who dropped a third straight one-goal decision.
Photos courtesy of James Egan’s Sports Photography
