A busy stretch came to a disappointing end for the Soo Thunderbirds on Saturday night.
The Espanola Express scored three times in just over four minutes in a 5-2 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League victory over the Thunderbirds Saturday at the John Rhodes Community Centre locally.
Goals by Cole Delarosbil, Diego Pasula, and Zach Trempner 4:08 apart in the second period turned a 1-0 deficit into a lead for the Express, one they would not relinquish.
Pasula had a pair of goals for Espanola in the contest while Delarosbil had a goal and an assist.
Matais Salem assisted on three goals. Alex Simard had the other goal for Espanola.
Goaltender Joel Rainville stopped 33 shots.
Avery Rebek and Tyler Dunbar scored for the Thunderbirds.
Goaltender Colin Ahern made 32 saves.
The loss drops the Thunderbirds record to 4-7-1-2 heading into the league showcase in the Michigan Sault, which begins on Tuesday morning.
Espanola improves to 4-7-1-0.
The Thunderbirds will open the league showcase at 4 p.m. on Tuesday against the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.
All games at the two-day event are at the Big Bear Arena.