Beavers Down Thunderbirds in NOJHL Matinee in Blind River to Snap a Nine Game Losing Streak

Posted On: January 11, 2026
Posted By: Saultsports
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Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos

Coming off a 5–2 loss to their cross-border rivals, the Soo Eagles, on Friday, January 10th at Pullar Stadium in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Soo Thunderbirds returned to NOJHL play on Sunday, January 11th, traveling to Blind River for an afternoon matinee against the Beavers.

The opening period set the tone for a tight-checking contest, as both teams focused on defensive structure and limited scoring chances. Neither side was able to find the back of the net through the first twenty minutes, sending the game scoreless into the intermission.

Blind River broke the deadlock early in the second period on the power play. At 2:07, Magnus Deamond opened the scoring with his second goal of the season, finishing a setup from Ilian Danilov to give the Beavers a 1–0 lead. The Thunderbirds answered midway through the frame when Gavin Killoran continued his strong season, scoring his 12th goal at 6:08. Killoran’s tally, assisted by Adam Pszeniczny and Jaden van de Ven, tied the game at 1–1 heading into the third period.

The Beavers regained control early in the final frame. At 3:28, Ellyott Dundas restored Blind River’s lead, netting his third goal of the season off assists from Leighton Hurst and Wyatt Jarratt. Just under three minutes later, the Beavers added an insurance marker at 6:20, as Ilian Danilov scored his first goal in a Beavers jersey and fourth of the season, with Dundas picking up the assist to make it 3–1.

Blind River held the Thunderbirds off the scoresheet for the remainder of the period, securing the home-ice victory in front of the Blind River crowd. Beaver goaltender Mason Janicki stopped 32 of 33 shots in the win while Thunderbird netminder Nathan Maguire turned away 33 of 36 shots in the Soo’s fourth straight loss.

Up next, the Blind River Beavers will continue their homestand when they host the Espanola Paper Kings on January 16th for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop. The Soo Thunderbirds will return home to face the visiting Iroquois Falls Storm on January 17th, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m.