Sportop Queens blank Alaska in Thoroughbreds tourney opener, News (Thunder Bay Women's Hockey Association)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Thunder Bay Sportop midget AA Queens are off to a strong start at Minnesota Thoroughbreds Thanksgiving tournament in St. Paul, Minn.

Samantha Strassburger tallied three times and Sydney Isbell posted the shutout as Thunder Bay blanked Team Alaska 6-0 Friday evening in the tournament opener for both sides.

Strassburger notched the eventual game-winner with the only tally of the opening period.

The Queens then extended their cushion in the middle frame courtesy of Emily Oleksuk and Jessica Ricklefs to go up 3-0 after two periods of the play.

They then put the game away in the third with Strassburger completing her hat-trick by scoring twice while Michelle Carlson added a single.

Farrah Nicholl dished out two assists to aid the offensive cause with Kaley Tienhaara, Alexandra Sawyer and Oleksuk adding solo helpers.

Thunder Bay returns to game action Saturday with two games.

They’ll begin with an 11:50 a.m. meeting vs. the Peace Country Storm of Alberta and will follow that contest later in the day when they face-off against the Yellowhead Chiefs from Manitoba at 6 p.m.

Medal round and consolation games will be played Sunday.

A total of 16 of the top midget programs across Canada are competing in the three-day event.