Practice made perfect for the Borderland Thunder in Dryden on Wednesday night.
Head coach Dave Allison stressed defensive responsibility during team workouts over the last three days and the Thunder showed they were paying attention—earning a 3-0 win against the defending SIJHL champion Ice Dogs.
The victory also snapped a modest two-game losing streak for the Thunder (9-2-2).
Josh Baxter netted his third of the season in the first period, then Kyle Prystupa (10th) and A.J. Tucker (sixth) both scored in the second. All three goals came on the power play.
Goalie Dan Hoehne made his Thunder debut a memorable one. The Duluth, Mn. native, who joined the team this past week, kicked out all 23 shots he faced.
Dryden fell to 7-4 on the season with the loss.
The Thunder next host the Nipigon Feathermen Hawks on Friday and Saturday at the Ice for Kids Arena. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.
