The Soo Thunderbirds find themselves navigating a challenging 2024-2025 season in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL). Sitting in seventh place with an 11-12-1-1 record, the team remains below .500 and has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, going 4-5-0-1 in their last ten games. Despite these difficulties, individual performances from both veterans and rookies provide bright spots for the organization.
The Thunderbirds offensive Leaders see some veterans and rookies shine in veteran forward Jonathan Sonedecker has been the Thunderbirds’ offensive anchor this season. With eight goals and 14 assists in 24 games, he leads the team in scoring and continues to be a reliable presence on the ice. Sonedecker’s ability to generate offense has been crucial in keeping the Thunderbirds competitive.
The team’s rookie class has also made a significant impact, with three players sitting in the top ten of rookie scoring league-wide. James Elliot leads the Thunderbirds’ first-year players, ranking sixth among NOJHL rookies with nine goals and one assist in 24 games. Following closely, Aiden Atkinson has tallied seven goals and 12 assists in 22 games, placing him seventh in rookie scoring. Meanwhile, Colin Chestnut rounds out the group, sitting eighth among rookies with five goals and 12 assists in 25 games. The trio’s contributions highlight the promise of the Thunderbirds’ young talent.
Between the pipes, the Thunderbirds have faced difficulties in finding consistent goaltending. Lincoln Mellethin has been the team’s most reliable option, sitting 13th in league goaltending rankings. With seven wins and five losses and a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.28, Mellethin has given the Thunderbirds a chance to stay in games. While Noah Metivier has struggled more, posting a GAA of 3.75 and a record of 4 wins and 7 losses in 14 appearances.
A look at the road ahead, the Thunderbirds aim to improve their standing in the second half of the season, consistency will be the key. While the team has the offensive talent to compete, their defensive play and goaltending will need to step up to secure more victories. With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young stars, the Thunderbirds have the potential to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
Their next games will be critical in determining whether they can climb out of the middle of the pack and become a formidable contender in the NOJHL with the Soo Thunderbirds facing a crucial stretch to close out 2024, with six games that could define their season. They will have an opportunity to capitalize on two contests against the 11th-place Elliot Lake Vikings, a team struggling in the bottom portion of the standings. However, the challenge intensifies with two matchups against the fourth-place Blind River Beavers, a strong opponent looking to solidify their position heading into 2025. Adding to the intensity, the Thunderbirds will take on their cross-border rivals, the fifth-place Soo Eagles, in what promises to be a spirited battle. Rounding out the schedule is a test in the final six games of 2024, the Thunderbirds meet the third-place Timmins Rock, a top-tier team in the NOJHL. With opponents ranging from struggling to formidable, the Thunderbirds have a chance to close the year on a strong note but must bring consistency and intensity to each game.
For now, fans can look forward to seeing their team’s promising young talent continue to grow while veterans like Sonedecker lead by example.
