SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Soo Firehawks staged a late rally and defeated the first-place Traverse City Hounds 5-4 in overtime Friday night at the Big Bear Arena.

After Mario Taranto tied the game 4-4 at 17:59 of the third period, Christian Wilkins (pictured) netted the game-winner 2:51 into the extra session.

Matt MacLaren, Cody Therrian and Zach Eitrem also scored for the Firehawks, while Anthony Laaksonen and Cody Anderson each contributed two assists.

Soo goaltender Mackenzie Bruce finished with 31 stops.

For the Hounds, Scott Luca, Clayton Dowlan and Cam Fisher all tallied a goal and an assist to go along with three assists from Jan Voves and a pair of helpers from Kevin Cole. Travis Kirk also scored.

David Krejcik made 40 saves in the Hounds’ net.

The two teams play again Saturday night at the Big Bear Arena with a 7:30 p.m. start time.