Case collects 2 as Thunderbirds get past Express

ESPANOLA, Ont. – The Soo Thunderbirds saw Nicolas Case collect two tallies, including the game-winner, as they went on to defeat the Espanola Express 3-1 Sunday afternoon in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League match-up at the Regional Recreation Complex.

It took Sault Ste. Marie just over two minutes to open the day’s scoring as Nolan Ford notched his first NOJHL goal to put the visitors in front.

Case then picked up his initial effort of the contest 11:40 into the middle stanza to secure the eventual difference maker for the Thunderbirds.

Coming right back, Espanola converted during a man advantage opportunity just over a minute later when Mackenzie Schopfer supplied his opening league marker.

Action later in the frame saw Case restore the Soo lead at 18:12 as he added his second of the game on a day in which he extended a point streak to five in succession.

It remained scoreless the rest of the way as the Thunderbirds tightened up defensively to secure the victory.

Brandon Gordon turned in a solid performance in net for the Soo as he made 38 saves to pick up the win.

Jacob Hutchings also turned in a solid effort for Espanola despite the loss as he faced 42 shots in the contest.