SEWELL, N.J. – The Elmira Aviators (13-18-5-2) fell 5-2 to the Philadelphia Rebels (15-17-2-6) at Hollydell Ice Arena Friday night.
The second period did the Aviators in on Friday. The Rebels rattled off five goals in the middle frame to take a 5-0 lead over Elmira.
Philadelphia used depth and scored in all facets to get the jump on Elmira. The Rebels scored at even strength, on the power play and even short-handed.
Coming into Friday’s game, the Rebels were averaging just over two goals per game over their last ten played. The Philadelphia attack found its stride against Elmira.
In the third period, the Aviators responded well by tallying two goals of their own, generating some momentum heading into Saturday’s contest.
Yianni Koukouves deflected home a Matt Maglio blast for a power play goal to get Elmira on the board. Koukouves missed last weekend’s series due to illness and nicely reintroduced himself to the lineup with his goal on Friday.
The Aviators added one more goal in the final minute of regulation. Jake Baratta made a sweet pass behind the net to set up Shawn Laperriere for his fourth goal of the season.
Ultimately, it was a frustrating result for an Elmira squad trying to climb the standings. However, the Aviators built some momentum with a strong final 20 minutes to carry into Saturday’s contest.
Elmira will take on Philadelphia in Game 2 of their series at Hollydell Ice Arena on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The game can be streamed on NATV or listened to on WINGZ93.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him, email [email protected].