NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Friday, Nov. 21, 2014
Jeffries lifts T-Birds past Wildcats
ELLIOT LAKE – Brett Jeffries’ second goal of the game 2:53 into overtime lifted the visiting Soo Thunderbirds past the Elliot Lake Wildcats Friday evening in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play at Centennial Arena.
Sault Ste. Marie opened the scoring with seven and half minutes to go in the opening period courtesy of Jaren Bellini’s 15th of the season as he extended a consecutive game point streak to five.
Elliot Lake answered back in the middle session with tallies from Cole Hepler, just 11 seconds into the frame, and Spencer MacLean on the power play at 8:51.
Jeffries then forced extra time as he notched his first of the night with 5:56 left in regulation before eventually winning it midway through the first OT.
Adam Baxter picked up two assists for the Wildcats in defeat.
Mario Culina continued his stellar play between the pipes for the Thunderbirds making 32 saves in earning his league-leading 10th victory of the season.
A.J. Smith faced 33 shots in helping his side pick up a point.
With the decision first place Sault Ste. Marie improved to 18-2-0-2 on the season while Elliot Lake slipped to 12-6-1-1.
