Thunder Bay Northern Hawks were rude hosts to the Thunder Bay Bandits on Thursday night defeating the debut team 8-4. It was the LJHL regular season opener for both teams.
It was a close game for two periods between the two Junior B city rivals. The Northern Hawks and Bandits were tied 2-2 after one period and 4-4 at second intermission. A four-goal third period proved to be the difference in the game result.
Stephen Tocheri led the Northern Hawks offense with a hat trick. It is the fourth and final season in the LJHL for the overage player who has posted 108 points in 94 career games in the league. Michael Goegan scored twice while former Thunder Bay North Stars forward Ben Erwin (1g, 2a), Richard Crupi (1g, 1a) and Eric Lampo each added a goal.
Alex Erwin assisted on three of the Hawks goals while defenceman Devlyn McGwire chipped in with a pair of helpers. Earning the win in net was Jakob Anton with 31 saves.
Leading the Bandits was third year veteran Matthew Bevilaqua with a hat trick. Lee Ferris scored the other goal in a losing effort. Tyler Blazino stopped 30 of 38 shots in defeat.
These same two teams are back on the ice Saturday night at the Tournament Centre. Game time scheduled for 8:00 PM.
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