By Matt Stefano
After dropping a 6-3 decision to the Soo Eagles on Saturday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre, the Soo Thunderbirds were back in action less than 24 hours later as they made a trip to Espanola for a 4:00 p.m. matchup against the Express.
Sunday’s game also marked the final afternoon game on the Thunderbirds 2019-2020 regular season schedule.
Power play goals helped the home team win on Sunday afternoon as the Espanola Express defeated the Soo Thunderbirds by a score of 4-3 in overtime.
Zach Matyasik had a power play goal and an assist for the Express while Cameron Walker and A.J. Favot had a power play goal each.
Favot’s power play goal was scored at the 1:39 mark of overtime, which proved to be his first career overtime goal.
Zach Trempner had a goal and an assist for the Express while Tyler Nelson, Alex Simard, Diego Pasula, Chris Locke, Mattias Salem and Josh Boucher all chipped in with one assist each.
Thunderbirds assistant captain Avery Rebek recorded his first career two-goal game while Rylan Clemons also got on the scoresheet with one goal.
Rebek’s first of two goals came on the power play at the 5:05 mark of the third period, which tied the game at two at that point.
Coltan Hayes and Brock Santa Maria had two assists each for the Soo while Jake Kovacs and Tyler Savard set up one goal each.
Thunderbirds goaltender Sam Evola gave up 4 goals on 47 shots in the loss while Express netminder Joel Rainville made 43 saves for the victory.
The Thunderbirds will now play their final home game of their 2019-2020 regular season on Friday at 7:00 p.m., when they take on the Blind River Beavers at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
NOTE
Fans are asked to be in their seats before 7:00 p.m. on Friday night as the Thunderbirds will honour their graduating players Nolan Ford and Jacob Boucha.
(Photo credit to Bob Davies)
