A big third period broke open what was a close game for the Soo Thunderbirds on Thursday night.
Kaidan McDonald and Nick Smith scored six seconds apart in what turned into a four-goal third period as the Thunderbirds beat the Espanola Express 7-3 in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Smith finished the night with two goals and two assists while Lucas Theriault had two goals and an assist for the Thunderbirds.
Gage Stephney and Tristan Cicchello also scored for the locals.
Goaltender William Anderson stopped 21 shots for the Thunderbirds.
Lukas Lyszyk, Bret McInall, and Matais Salem had a goal and an assist each for the Express.
Espanola goaltender Joel Rainville stopped 19 shots.
The win improves the Thunderbirds record to 18-5-0-0 while Espanola falls to 5-21-0-0.
The Thunderbirds return to action on Sunday afternoon in a home game against the Soo (Mich.) Eagles. Puck drop at the John Rhodes is set for 2 p.m.
Prior to the game, the Thunderbirds announced a trade that saw the team deal forward Jamie Damignani to the Express in exchange for a player development fee.