GALLERY: Smetham strikes in OT as Voodoos defeat Thunderbirds

POWASSAN, Ont. – A Rhys Smetham man advantage marker with 46 seconds remaining in overtime propelled the Powassan Voodoos to their sixth-straight Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League victory Friday as they edged the Soo Thunderbirds 4-3 in a well-played match-up at the Powassan Sportsplex.

Picking up a power play late in a fast-paced first period, Sault Ste. Marie capitalized off some nice movement from defenceman Brodie McConnell-Barker, who eventually put a shot on net from up high that was stopped by Powassan netminder Kannon Flageolle, but Dharan Cap was right there to stuff in the rebound at 19:25.

Moving to the middle stanza, the Voodoos tied it four minutes in as Alex Little wheeled into the Thunderbirds zone on the right side, pulled up in the circle, and proceeded to roof a shot over the shoulder of Thunderbirds’ goalkeeper Kolton Bourret.

Regaining the lead a few minutes later, the Soo broke out in transition on an odd-man rush and saw Daniel Beaupre spot an open Brock Santa Maria who whipped an attempt over the blocker of Flageolle from between the hash marks.

A tremendous tally early in the third helped Powassan draw level once more when Conor O’Brien forced a puck free then sent it over to Tucker Shields, who played it up to himself through his legs, while driving to the net, and lifted in a backhand to give him goals in five consecutive outings.

Undaunted, the visitors went back in front at 6:49 as Cap collected his second of the night following some crisp passing by his teammates that allowed him to chip one in from the top of the crease.

Coming back to force extra time, the Voodoos’ Chase Thompson tallied as he picked the bottom left corner with a quick wrist from the high slot at 16:43.

Up a skater late in OT, Smetham dashed into the circle off a draw and quickly whipped in the game-winner to pull out the come from behind triumph.

With the result, Powassan extended their winning streak and raised their record to 14-6-0-0 on the campaign.

The Thunderbirds did pick up a point in defeat as they dipped to 11-7-1-1 overall.