Aviators lose close one to Jr. Americans
ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (14-20-3-1) led the Rochester Jr. Americans (23-8-3-4) three times on Saturday night, but could not hold on in a 4-3 loss.
The Aviators celebrated First Responders Night with special jerseys for the game and gave the LECOM Event Center plenty to cheer about, especially early on.
Clarence Beltz opened the scoring in the first period with a high-danger chance in the slot. Later, Luke Sakala lasered a power play goal, his third tally in as many games.
The Americans rallied back to tie the game after both of those goals, but in the second period, Matt Maglio fired the Aviators back in front. The winger entered the attacking zone with no help coming, so he let go of a wicked wrist shot to put Elmira back on top.
Rochester tied it up again later in the second period with a power-play goal. That left the game tied 3-3 entering the final period of play.
Rochester played a tight-checking final frame and got their breakthrough short-handed. Adam Gionta raced onto the puck for a breakaway chance and slotted it home to put the Americans ahead 4-3.
The Americans held onto that lead for the remainder of the game to take the lone game of the weekend.
Friday’s game was postponed due to ice conditions. The makeup has now been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Fans’ tickets for Friday’s postponed game will be valid for the makeup on Feb. 11.
Next weekend the Aviators will travel south to Maryland to take on the Maryland Black Bears. Game 1 is Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Game 2 is Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
The games can be streamed on NATV and listened to on Big Foot Country Legends.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him email [email protected].