The Borderland Thunder failed to grab momentum from last Tuesday’s comeback against Dryden, coming home winless again after a trip to Thunder Bay over the weekend.
This time, it was the KC Bulldogs playing rude hosts to the Thunder at the Fort William Gardens, winning 8-7 on Friday and 5-4 on Saturday.
The pair of losses dropped the Thunder (7-6-4) into third place in the Superior International Junior Hockey League standings. The Feathermen Hawks traded wins with the second-place Dryden Ice Dogs (8-5-4) to lead the way with 22 points (10-4-2).
The Thunder had jumped out to an early lead in the first period Saturday thanks to a shorthanded goal by Josh Baxter. But the Bulldogs scored twice before Thunder forward Cole Hayward tied the affair 2-2.
The Bulldogs came roaring back in the first 10 minutes of the second period, controlling the play and scoring three-straight goals.
While Thunder blueliners Jay Phillips and Terry Parisien added goals in the third period, the team couldn’t get the equalizer past Bulldogs goalie Mark Grant.
“In the third period, we didn’t play that bad. Their goalie made some big saves to win the game,” said Thunder head coach Wayne Strachan. “It seems we’re just running into good goaltending at the wrong time.”
On Friday night, the Thunder also allowed three unanswered goals in the third period in that loss. They had just fought back from a 5-2 second-period deficit to take a two-goal lead.
Adam McTavish and Matt Johnson each scored twice in that one to lead the Thunder while Kevin Webb, Sean McKie, and Kris Esselink added singles.
The Bulldogs (7-6-1) have found new life since tying the Thunder here Oct. 13. Since that time, the Thunder Bay team has gone 6-1 and are in striking distance of the top teams in the SIJHL.
The Thunder will host the Iron Range Yellow Jackets this Friday and Saturday. Game time is 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets will be available at the door for $7 (adults) and $5 (seniors/students).
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
