As we reach the midpoint of the 2023 – 2023 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League hockey season, it’s time to assess the performance of the Soo Thunderbirds of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The team has faced its fair share of challenges, but there are also positive signs that indicate potential success in the upcoming games.
The Soo Thunderbirds have played a total of 31 regular season games so far, achieving 19 wins, 4 losses, 2 overtime losses and one shootout loss. The team currently holds 41 points in the standings, positioning them fourth in the west and fifth overall in the NOJHL standings.
Offensive Highlights: The offensive side of the game has seen notable contributions from key players. Veteran forward Jackson Truchan of Farmington Hills, Michigan and rookie Jacob Smith from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario have been instrumental in driving the team’s goal-scoring efforts, with Truchan’s 14 goals and 12 assists while Ottawa 67 draft pick Jacob Smith sits in second in Thunderbird scoring with 16 goals and 23 assists. The power play sixth overall in the NOJHL converting at a 23.2% success rate.
Defensively, theSoo Thunderbirds have showcased resilience and solid goaltending. Goaltender Kolton Bourret has been a standout performer, posting a 0.922% save percentage and 2.48 goals against average. The penalty kill has also been effective, operating at a 79.4% success rate. Veteran forward Samuel Lake of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario leads all Soo Thunderbirds with 35 penalty minutes.
Unfortunately since the start of the 2023 – 2024 NOJHL season, the Thunderbirds has faced challenges with injuries to key players. On the blueline, upfront as well as between the pipes have been sidelined, impacting the team’s depth. The coaching staff is actively working on strategies to adapt and fill these gaps. The coaching staff is actively working on strategies to adapt, Will we see the Thunderbird program fill any of these gaps in the upcoming January 2024 NOJHL tradeline.
Soo Thunderbirds Assistant Coach/General Manager Jamie Henderson acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “given the number of key injuries we’ve had, I think we are excited at what the group could accomplish if we can get healthy at some point. It’s probably the most competitive the league has been in my time so every game is a battle and you have to have great goaltending and play with a lot of structure if you’re going to win.“
“I think we need to improve our consistency and our commitment to improving on a daily basis. On any given night we’ve had some key performances but there’s no doubt we need more of a full team effort each and every game. We haven’t had enough of that thus far and given the competitive nature of our division, we definitely need to see more of that, especially from our 19 and 20 year old players,” added Henderson.
The support of our fans has been unwavering, and the Soo Thunderbirds express gratitude for their dedication. Despite challenges, the team remains committed to delivering an exciting and competitive brand of hockey that fans can be proud of.
With the midpoint of the season behind us, the Soo Thunderbirds are focused on building momentum. The coaching staff and players are determined to overcome challenges, leverage strengths, and make a playoff push in the remainder of the season.
As we move forward, the Soo Thunderbirds are poised for an exciting journey, and fans can expect an exhilarating second half of the season. The team is grateful for the continued support and looks forward to delivering memorable moments on the ice.
The Thunderbirds next game will be when they return after the 2023 NOJHL Christmas break to face their cross border rivals, the fifth place west division Soo Eagles on Friday, January 5th at the Pullar Stadium in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The Eagles are tied with the Thunderbirds in points with both teams having 41 points but with the Thunderbirds only 31 games compared to the Eagles 34 games played.
Players (* rookie)
#7 Jackson Truchan (F) 24 gp (14g, 26a, 40pts, 18 PIMS)
#27 (*) Jacob Smith (F) 31gp (16g, 23a, 39pts, 4 PIMS)
#14 (*) James Legler (F) 31gp (7g, 25a, 32pts, 10 PIMS)
#91 Grayson Ebrahim (F) 29gp (16g, 14a, 30pts, 29 PIMS)
#8 Daniel Beaupre (F) 31gp (11g,18a, 29pts, 16 PIMS)
#16 Kaden Dundas (D) 24gp (5g, 23a, 28pts, 12 PIMS)
#17 Alex Remenda (F) 30gp (12g, 7a, 19pts, 14 PIMS)
#22 (*) Candon O’Neill (D) 24gp, 3g, 15a, 18pts, 8 PIMS)
#25 (*) Declan Gallivan (D) 14gp, 4g, 12a, 16pts, 2 PIMS)
#15 Samuel Lake (F) 27gp, 6g, 7a, 13pts, 35 PIMS)
#12 Thomas Degagne (F) 31gp, 7g, 4a, 11pts, 10 PIMS)
#6 Kolby Fellinger (D) 16gp, 1g, 10a, 11pts, 10 PIMS)
#13 (*) Callum McAuley (F) 7gp (5g, 1a, 6pts, 6 PIMS)
#18 Kelsey Ouellet (F) 6gp, 3g, 3a, 6pts, 8 PIMS)
#77 Colton McIntosh (F) 16gp (2g, 2a, 4pts, 10 PIMS)
#85 Quinn Myles (D) 5gp (1g, 3a, 4pts, 2 PIMS)
#21 (*) Connor Stokes (F) 18 gp (4a, 8 PIMS)
#63 (*) Adam Kukko (D) 23gp (1g, 1a, 2pts, 4 PIMS)
#11 Easton Hall (F) 27gp (1g, 1a, 2pts, 18 PIMS)
#37 (*) Harley Wardell (F) 5gp (2a)
#20 Charlie Munroe (D) 10gp (2a, 17 PIMS)
Goaltenders (* rookie)
35 Kolton Bourret (G) 15gp (11 wins, 4 losses, 848 MINS, 35 goals against, 2.48 GAA, 0.922 SV%, 2 SO)
1 * Maverick Fletcher (G) 8gp (4 wins, 3 losses, 470 MINS, 24 goals against, 3.06 GAA, 0.879 SV%)
