The Soo Thunderbirds will face off against the Blind River Beavers in a best-of-seven NOJHL quarter-final playoff series, with the Beavers holding the upper hand based on their regular-season dominance. Blind River won five of the six meetings between the teams during the 2024-2025 campaign, showcasing their strength and consistency. The Thunderbirds’ lone victory came on January 31, when they edged out a 4-3 win on home ice in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. As the playoffs begin, the Thunderbirds will look to turn the tide and upset their division rivals, while the Beavers aim to continue their strong play and advance further in the postseason.
The Blind River Beavers finished the 2024-2025 NOJHL regular season with an impressive record of 34 wins, 14 losses, two ties, and two overtime losses, accumulating 72 points over 52 games. They showcased a potent offense, scoring 205 goals while allowing 150 against, and secured three victories in overtime. The Beavers also racked up 611 penalty minutes, displaying a physical edge to their game. Meanwhile, the Soo Thunderbirds wrapped up their season with 26 wins, 23 losses, one tie, and two overtime losses, finishing with 55 points. They netted 179 goals while conceding 177, proving to be a more defensively tight but lower-scoring team compared to Blind River. Like their opponents, the Thunderbirds had three overtime wins and logged 592 penalty minutes, indicating a similarly gritty style of play. With these numbers in mind, the stage is set for an intense playoff battle between the two teams.
Finishing second overall in the NOJHL scoring standings, Blind River forward Owen King had a stellar 2024-2025 regular season, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive threats. In 49 games, King lit the lamp 50 times while adding 25 assists for a total of 75 points. His impact on special teams was significant, scoring 15 power-play goals and contributing nine power-play assists. He also had a knack for clutch performances, netting an impressive 12 game-winning goals. Despite his offensive prowess, King maintained discipline, recording just eight penalty minutes throughout the season.
Blind River’s Wyatt Gibson was another key offensive contributor, playing in 49 games and tallying 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points. A versatile forward, Gibson proved effective in all situations, notching five power-play goals and eight power-play assists while also making his mark on the penalty kill with two shorthanded goals and one shorthanded assist. He also had a pair of game-winning goals and accumulated 26 penalty minutes over the course of the season.
Beaver Johan McIndoo provided additional offensive depth, appearing in 47 games and registering 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points. While he wasn’t as prolific on special teams, he contributed one power-play goal, two power-play assists, and a shorthanded assist. A steady presence on the ice, McIndoo logged 27 penalty minutes and played a well-rounded game, adding to his team’s depth as they now shift focus to the playoffs.
Between the pipes, Connor Dunham-Fox was a standout performer during the 2024-2025 NOJHL regular season, providing his team with elite goaltending. In 28 appearances, he posted an impressive 20-7 record while allowing just 63 goals, resulting in a stellar 2.51 goals-against average. His .931 save percentage ranked among the best in the league, showcasing his ability to steal games for his team. Dunham-Fox also recorded two shutouts over his 1,503 minutes of action, proving to be a steady and reliable presence in the crease.
Backing him up was Bronx Bodnar, who also put together a solid campaign in 23 games played. He earned 11 wins, seven losses, two overtime losses, and one tie, while allowing 67 goals. His 3.05 goals-against average and .911 save percentage demonstrated his ability to keep his team competitive, and he also registered one shutout. With 1,319 minutes of playing time, Bodnar provided key support in the goaltending tandem, ensuring his team remained strong in net throughout the season. As the playoffs approach, both goaltenders will play a crucial role in their team’s postseason success.
Beaver coach Kyle Brick told Saultsports that “They’re a good hockey team with strong goaltending, and we’re excited to get started! In order for us to be successful we need to stick to the plan and compete. We’ve been strong on home ice all season and we hope we can continue that into the playoffs.”
Thunderbird veteran Jonathan Sonedecker was a key offensive contributor for the Soo Thunderbirds during the 2024-2025 NOJHL regular season, providing a strong combination of scoring and playmaking. In 46 games, he netted 22 goals and added 20 assists for a total of 42 points. Sonedecker proved to be a valuable asset on special teams, tallying three power-play goals, seven power-play assists, and one shorthanded assist. He also showed a knack for clutch performances, registering three game-winning goals. With 56 penalty minutes, he played with an edge while maintaining his offensive production, making him a crucial piece for the Thunderbirds heading into the playoffs.
Soo forward James Legler excelled as a playmaker, leading the Thunderbirds in assists with 33 over 44 games played. While he contributed nine goals, his ability to set up teammates made him a key driver of the team’s offense. Legler was effective on the power play, recording three goals and nine assists with the man advantage. He also chipped in with a shorthanded goal and one game-winner while keeping his penalty minutes relatively low at 33. His vision and passing ability will be instrumental in generating scoring chances as the Thunderbirds look to make a playoff run.
Thunderbird Callum McAuley provided a well-balanced offensive presence, finishing the season with 18 goals and 23 assists in 42 games. He was particularly dangerous on the power play, tallying six goals and four assists with the extra man. McAuley also contributed defensively, recording one shorthanded assist, and played a physical game with 44 penalty minutes. His ability to contribute in all situations makes him a versatile player for the Thunderbirds, and his scoring touch will be an important factor as the team prepares for the postseason.
In the crease for the Thunderbirds Lincoln Mellenthin played a key role in the team’s goaltending tandem throughout the 2024-2025 NOJHL regular season. In 26 games, he posted a record of 12 wins and nine losses while allowing 70 goals. His 3.07 goals-against average and .893 save percentage demonstrated his ability to keep the Thunderbirds in games, and he recorded one shutout along the way. With 1,366 minutes played, Mellenthin provided stability in the crease and will be looked upon to continue his solid play as the team heads into the postseason.
Noah Metivier also saw significant time in net, appearing in 28 games and recording ten wins, 14 losses, two overtime losses, and one tie. He faced a heavy workload, allowing 92 goals and finishing with a 3.65 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage. Metivier logged the most minutes of any Thunderbird goaltender at 1,512 and provided experience and resilience in goal. Despite the ups and downs of the regular season, he has the potential to be a difference-maker in the playoffs, where strong goaltending will be essential for the Thunderbirds’ success.
Thunderbird coach Jamie Henderson told Saultsports that “I think both teams obviously know each other very well. They are well coached and are always prepared to play. They have an elite scorer in King who’s had maybe the best season I’ve seen in all my years in this league, so we need to have a plan for him. With our group, we have been playing playoff hockey really for six weeks. We have been healthy and have been here these last couple of weeks, which is great to see, and there is a real desire to see what this group can accomplish.”
Head to Head
Blind River Beavers (3) vs (6) Soo Thunderbirds
September 21 Blind River Beavers (2) @ (4) Soo Thunderbirds
November 16 Soo Thunderbirds (2) @ (3) Blind River Beavers
December 8 Soo Thunderbirds (3) @ (5) Blind River Beavers
December 20 Blind River Beavers (3) @ (2) Soo Thunderbirds
January 31 Blind River Beavers (3) @ (4) Soo Thunderbirds
February 16 Soo Thunderbirds (2) @ (6) Blind River Beavers
