One example provides a spark plug including a terminal end, a firing end, an axial centerline extending between the terminal end and the firing end, and an insulative core extending between the terminal end and the firing end, the insulative core including an insulative nose proximate to the firing end, and a central bore coincident with the axial centerline extending through the insulative core. A center electrode includes an electrode wire and an electrode head. In a plane perpendicular to the axial centerline, the electrode head having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the insulative nose, the electrode wire mechanically and electrically connected to the electrode head, the electrode wire extending from a bottom side of the electrode head into the central bore at the insulative nose to form an electrical and thermal pathway with the electrode head.