Voodoos goalie Jack Ondrovic watches for the puck during first period play. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
The number one team in the NOJHL rolled into Powassan on the weekend and earned a scrappy victory. Jaren Bellini and Nicolas Tassone had 2 points each to lead the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds to a 5-2 win over the Powassan Voodoos on Saturday night at the Sportsplex.
The T-Birds used a strong and relentless forecheck to put the Voodoos on their heels as they took a 2-0 lead into the dressing room after 20 minutes. Jared Bellini cracked the goose egg on the power play and then Nicolas Tassone was able to bury one with a minute left in the first. The T-Birds were hard on the forecheck, back check and cycled the puck well in the offensive zone. The Voodoo's had a hard time getting possession of the puck and also were getting knocked around by the dominant Thunderbirds.
Head Coach of the Soo Thunderbirds Jordan Smith was satisfied with how his team came out and played. “We played aggressive, we tried to have two guys on the puck at all times,” said Smith after the game.
“I thought we controlled possession for the most part and also felt like we controlled the play for the majority of the hockey game."
Going into the second period, the Voodoos came out and showed some life. Puck possession was no where near as lob sided and the Voodoos hard work paid off. Tyler Gervais-Rolfe was able to get on the scoring sheet thanks to an assist by Jacob Erwin and Jeremy St. Pierre. With the period winding down though, Brett Jeffries restored the T-Birds two goal lead with five minutes left.
Going into the third the game got physical and the Thunderbirds controlled a majority of the play in the period. The Thunderbird sealed the game with two more goals period. Despite the final score, there were still positives for the Powassan Voodoos at the end. Steven Harland kept his 31 game point scoring streak alive with a goal in the final two minutes of the third period.
And although Voodos goalie and Battalion prospect Jack Ondrovic allowed five goals on the night, Head Coach of the Voodoos Scott Wray was happy with his performance.
“He didn't deserve a 5-2 loss,” said Wray post game.
“I was proud of his effort tonight, he played well and controlled his rebounds well. I think he would've liked to have that second goal back but other than that it's a process with the kid. He's 16 and to play against one of the top teams in the country and to do well, it's encouraging."
The two teams hit the ice again tomorrow for a Sunday matinee. Puck drop is set for 2:30 p.m at the Powassan Sportsplex.
