Thunderbirds back in flight after narrow win over Express

NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE

Release Date: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016

Thunderbirds back in flight after narrow win over Express

ESPANOLA, Ont. – After suffering their first loss of the season Saturday to the rival Soo Eagles, the defending Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Soo Thunderbirds got right back to their winning ways Sunday afternoon as they held on to defeat the Espanola Express 4-2 at the Regional Recreation Complex.

Sault Ste. Marie was all business early in Sunday’s matinee as they stormed out to a 3-0 lead after one period of play on goals by Jake Behse, Mark Tassone and Nick Smith.

Espanola got one back with the lone marker of the middle stanza with Riley Tilot notching his second of the campaign at 13:35 of the frame.

Aaron Roschinsky’s first of 2016-17 pulled the Express to within one with 6:59 remaining in regulation as he converted on a penalty shot by beating Soo starter Garret Boyonoski.

The home side would pull their goalkeeper, Logan Sawka, late in favour of an extra attacker, but it was the Thunderbirds Tassone who iced it with an empty netter with his second of the day to round out the scoring.

Ryan Mulligan dished two assists for the Soo.

Shots on goal in the contest favoured the T-Birds by a 44-43 margin.