Thunderbirds pull out win over Express

ESPANOLA, Ont. – The Soo Thunderbirds needed a trio of third period tallies to pull out a 5-2 triumph over the Espanola Express in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play Saturday at the Regional Recreation Complex.

Sault Ste. Marie started things off offensively midway through the first period as Alex Acosta notched his 13th goal of the season to help send the visitors on their way.

Moving on to the middle session, Espanola drew level at 7:14 as Matthew Reynolds scored for the fourth time this season to knot the affair at 1-1.

Building on that, the Express added another a few minutes later when Jackson Thomas beat Thunderbirds starter Brandon Gordon.

However, the Soo was quick to get that back as Mark Tassone scored just 18 seconds later to tie things up once more.

Tassone then picked up his second of the night and eventual game-winner 3:17 into the third to put the Thunderbirds in front for good.

Acosta also added another with seven and a half minutes remaining in regulation before Spencer Van Tiem capped off the offensive outburst late to help secure the road victory.

Gordon finished with 23 stops to pick-up the win for the Soo while Ryan Hale had 31 saves in a losing cause for Espanola.