ESPANOLA, ON – Kolton Bourret made 33 stops for his third shutout of the season as the Soo Thunderbirds blanked the Espanola Paper Kings 7-0 at the Espanola Recreation Centre Sunday afternoon.
Kelsey Ouellet had two goals and linemate Callum McCauley had three assists for the Thunderbirds who move three points up on Espanola for third spot in the competitive NOJHL West.
It’s the second straight home game the high scoring Espanola Paper Kings have been shut out going back to a 5-0 home defeat on Friday, January 19 at the hands of the visiting Powassan Voodoos.
Jacob Smith opened the scoring on a quick release near the right faceoff circle on a short pass from James Legler as it eluded Paper Kings starter Andrew Gaulton for a 1-0 lead at 7:41 of the first.
Early in the second, the Thunderbirds cashed in on a 3 on 2 as Jonathan Sonedecker came across the blueline and blasted a shot past Gaulton for a 2-0 Thunderbirds lead at 1:16 of the second period.
Kelsey Ouellet got into the scoring as he let go quick release from the left circle that beat Gaulton which made it 3-0 at 5:17.
Just over two minutes after that, a bad defensive lapse by the Paper Kings cost them as Samuel Lake was left unattended as he converted a pass into the slot courtesy Ottawa 67’s prospect Jacob Smith for a 4-0 Thunderbirds lead.
Grayson Ebrahim added a power play marker at 11:25 with helpers going to Callum McAuley and Battalion prospect Declan Gallivan.
Ouellet continued the offensive outburst by the Thunderbirds as he notched his second of the game at 16:20 of the second which made it 6-0 for the visitors.
Kaden Dundas added another power play goal at 8:48 of the third to increase the lead to 7-0.
With the win the Thunderbirds improve to 26-12-2-1 while the Paper Kings drop to 26-17.
Thunderbirds hold a one point lead on the Paper Kings with two games in hand.
