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Thunderbirds' rally falls short in 7-4 loss to cross-border rivals
Ethan Hoff nets three goals to pace Eagles to victory
Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:47am
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The Soo Thunderbirds mounted a late comeback, but ultimately fell short in a 7-4 loss to their cross-border rivals, the Soo Eagles, in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League matchup. Ethan Hoff led the way for the Eagles with a hat trick, while the Thunderbirds' Aiden Atkinson scored twice in the losing effort.
Why it matters
This game showcases the intense rivalry between the two Sault Ste. Marie-based junior hockey teams, the Thunderbirds and the Eagles. The outcome impacts the standings in the competitive Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, where both teams are vying for playoff positioning.
The details
The Thunderbirds jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but the Eagles responded with two unanswered goals in the first period. The Eagles then scored four consecutive goals in the second period to build a commanding 6-1 lead. The Thunderbirds mounted a late comeback, scoring three goals in the third period, but ultimately fell short as Ethan Hoff sealed the win for the Eagles with an empty-net goal.
- The game was played on Friday, January 31, 2026.
- The Thunderbirds scored the opening goal just 71 seconds into the game.
- The Eagles scored two goals in the first period, one in the second period, and three more in the second period to build a 6-1 lead.
- The Thunderbirds scored three goals in the third period to make it a 6-4 game, but the Eagles held on for the 7-4 victory.
The players
Ethan Hoff
A forward for the Soo Eagles who scored a hat trick in the game.
Aiden Atkinson
A forward for the Soo Thunderbirds who scored two goals in the losing effort.
Dalton Hoornstra
The goaltender for the Soo Eagles who made saves to preserve the victory.
Ryan Hicks
The goaltender for the Soo Thunderbirds who faced a barrage of shots from the Eagles.
Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League
The league in which the Soo Eagles and Soo Thunderbirds compete.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
This game showcases the intense rivalry between the two Sault Ste. Marie-based junior hockey teams, the Thunderbirds and the Eagles, as they compete for playoff positioning in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. The Thunderbirds' late comeback effort fell short, but the game highlighted the skill and determination of both teams.
