Joey Payeur
Christmas is over, so it wasn’t holiday pleasantries the Fort Frances Thunderhawks and Kenora Thistles were exchanging near the end of their game Tuesday night at the Ice For Kids Arena.
Emotions boiled over late in the third period of the Thunderhawks’ 10-5 pounding of the Thistles in senior men’s ‘AAA’ exhibition hockey action.
When the dust settled, a total of six players (three from each team) had been sent to the showers with fighting majors and game misconducts.
The outburst took some of the focus away from Fort Frances’ best offensive output of the season so far, with the Thunderhawks scoring nine times in the final two periods, including six-straight goals to turn a 4-4 tie midway through the second into a blow-out.
Tom Biondich spearheaded the Thunderhawks’ blitzkrieg with a six-point night, including a pair of goals.
Ross Johnson added a hat trick and an assist while Ian Lockman also had four points, including one goal.
A.J. Tucker tallied twice while his former Borderland Thunder linemate, Kevin Webb, and Miles Kuharski each had a goal and an assist.
Jeff Richards led the Thistles with two goals, with Ryan Bowen chipping in a goal and two assists.
James Cain and Matt Richards had the other markers for Kenora, who will host Fort Frances and four other teams for the Allan Cup championship April 11-16.
Chris Medicine earned the win in goal while Paul Hilhorst had a rough night between the pipes for the Thistles.
The two teams tentatively are scheduled to meet again here Feb. 1, although it’s possible the game may be moved back to a weekend date to accommodate players who may not be able to make it for a weeknight contest.
