Kovacs' hat trick lifts Riders to OT win

INDIANAPOLIS - Justin Kovacs completed a hat trick with an overtime goal in the final minute, lifting the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders to a 4-3 win over the Indiana Ice on Wednesday night in Indianapolis. The Riders (10-2-0, 20 points) jumped into first place in the USHL's East Division with the victory.

Kovacs' winner came on the power play with 35 seconds remaining in OT and was assisted by Sam Warning and Andy Simpson. The Riders were awarded the power play because of a too-many-men-on-the-ice call on Indiana with 2:19 left.

Kovacs had the first two goals of the game in the first 11:42 of the first period, but Indiana tied it before period's end. Tommy Fallen's power-play goal in the second period gave Cedar Rapids a 3-2 edge, but Indiana tied it with 38 seconds left in regulation on a Brian Ferlin goal with an extra attacker.

Brady Hjelle got the win in goal, making 33 saves. The Riders play Friday in Chicago and Saturday in Muskegon.