By Matt Stefano
Heading into Sunday’s game 3 action of the West Division Semi Final, the Soo Thunderbirds have out scored the Blind River Beavers 21-1 through the first two games. The T-Birds took 3-0 series lead with an 11-0 victory over the Beavers at the Rhodes.
Owen Headrick led the way with four goals, becoming the first T-Bird to score four times in a playoff game since Brandon Warmington back on March 16th, 2013 along with becoming the first T-Bird defenseman to score a hat trick since Drew Otto back on October 8th, 2008 and the team’s all time leader for most playoff goals amongst defensemen with eight. After getting his first career hat trick in game 2, rookie forward Matt Caruso added another three tonight including a helper, becoming the first T-Bird to record back to back hat tricks since captain Mick Sartoretto did back on January 14th and 20th of 2012. Brandon Grandinetti also had a four point night with four assists along with Jaren Bellini, who had a goal and three helpers. Devin Shell had a goal and two helpers while Matt Busby, Nick Sicoly, Matt Pinder and Anthony Miller each had a pair of helpers. Single assists went to Nick Tassone, Nathan Hebert and Joey Miller while Brett Jeffries and David Radke each had one goal.
Braddock Baalerud was replaced by Zach Mills after giving up seven goals on thirty shots.
Brian Kment made thirteen saves for his second straight shutout which tied his own record from January 25th and 31st of 2014.
Game 4 goes Tuesday, March 17th at 7:30 from the Blind River Community Centre.
