Tassone, Acosta pace Thunderbirds

For the Soo Thunderbirds, a late charge was the difference on Saturday night.

A three-goal third period broke a 2-2 tie as the Thunderbirds beat the Espanola Express 5-3 in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action in Espanola.

Mark Tassone and Alex Acosta had a pair of goals each to pace the Thunderbirds offensively. Spencer Van Tiem had the other goal for the Thunderbirds.

Braden Robbins and Nick Smith assisted on a pair of goals each for the Thunderbirds.

Goaltender Brandon Gordon stopped 23 shots for the Thunderbirds.

Matthew Reynolds and Jackson Thomas scored for the Express. 

Espanola goaltender Ryan Hale made 31 saves.

The Thunderbirds improve to 32-13-2-1 and sit three points behind the Rayside Balfour Canadians for top spot in the NOJHL’s West Division though the Thunderbirds have two games in hand. 

Espanola falls to 1-48-1-1.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Sunday night at home against the Elliot Lake Wildcats. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 7:30 p.m.