Kovacs scores overtime winner for Thunderbirds

Jacob Kovacs was the hero on Friday night for the Soo Thunderbirds.

Kovac scored 10 seconds into overtime to lift the Thunderbirds to a 5-4 win over the Espanola Express in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.

The win came after Espanola scored a pair of goals in the third period to send the game into overtime.

Mackenzie Walkington had a pair of goals for the Thunderbirds in the victory.

Kovacs and Rylan Clemons had a goal and an assist each.

Nolan Ford had the other goals for the Thunderbirds.

Goaltender Dakota Meyer made 26 saves.

Mattias Salem had a pair of goals for Espanola.

Brennen Martel and Cameron Walker also scored for the Express.

Espanola goaltender Carson Boutin stopped 36 shots.

The win improves the Thunderbirds record to 20-13-2-3 while Espanola falls to 10-21-3-1.

The Thunderbirds return to action on Sunday afternoon at home against the Timmins Rock. Puck drop at the John Rhodes Community Centre is set for 2 p.m.