Silva nets hat trick, Chill knock off Chicago 4-1

CHICAGO – Sullivan Silva was in MVP form on Thursday, leading the Thunder Bay Chill to a pivotal Windy City win.

Silva, a former Premier Development League most valuable player, scored three times as the Chill notched a 4-1 triumph over the Chicago Fire U23s. Thunder Bay native Evan Sawula had the Chill's other goal, his first in the PDL.  

The two teams are now tied for second spot in the Heartland Division standings, Thunder Bay holding two games in hand over their rivals as they duke it out for the second and final playoff berth.

The hat trick gives him eight goals in 2016, tying him with Anthony Putrus for the team lead.

The win improved the Chill’s record to 7-2-2, while Chicago dropped to 7-4-2. The two teams had tied in each of their two previous meetings this season.

Thunder Bay can still catch Des Moines (9-2-1) for top spot in the division and will take on the Menace on Saturday in the finale of a five-game road trip that’s seen the Chill go 3-0-1 to date.

Thunder Bay returns home next week for games Tuesday and Wednesday against St. Louis and Winnipeg.