Photos: Bob Davies
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – Noah Metivier posted his Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League-leading fourth shutout of the season as he backstopped the Soo Thunderbirds to their 14th straight win, a narrow 2-0 decision over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners Friday at John Rhodes Community Centre.
Action in the opening 20 minutes was tight-checking and did not produce any scoring as the two sides hit the first intermission still without a tally.
Breaking the deadlock 6:43 into the middle session, Sault Ste. Marie’s Kenny Belanger Jr. clicked on the power play for his 11th goal of the season, in what also proved to be the eventual game-winner.
Up a skater once more in the final frame, the Thunderbirds added another man advantage marker in the late going when Dharan Cap connected with three and a half minutes remaining in regulation to help the secure the victory.
Along with registering the shutout, Metivier also won for the seventh straight outing and has only allowed four goals-against in his past five starts, while improving to 18-3-2-2 overall.
Kirkland Lake netminder Keaton Lyons put in a solid effort in defeat for the Gold Miners.
