ELMIRA, N.Y. – For the second consecutive night, the Elmira Aviators (12-15-5-1) were bested by the Maryland Black Bears (28-3-2-1) in overtime by a final score of 4-3 at the LECOM Event Center Saturday night.
The Aviators went toe-to-toe with the league-leading Black Bears across both games this weekend, forcing both to overtime. Saturday’s game had an extra flair for the dramatic.
With 1:40 remaining in regulation time, Elmira trailed 3-2, but was gifted a power play from a Tanner Duncan tripping infraction.
Evan Dantas paid off the chance with a laser shot from the far circle to even the score with less than a minute to play in the third period. Jack Kohlmann set it up with a perfect seam pass on the tape of Dantas.
Unfortunately for Elmira, the league’s leading scorer struck again in overtime for Maryland. Harrison Smith capped off a six-point weekend with his second overtime winner of the series, clinching victory for his side.
The Aviators showed tremendous fight against the division leaders all weekend and finished the series with two points despite picking up two losses. They currently sit six points out of a playoff spot.
Though the Aviators lost Saturday, they can feel positive about one of their leading scorers picking up steam in the second half of the season.
Matthew Maglio tallied two goals Saturday night, both coming on the rush with sound finishes from the 2006-born forward.
First, Maglio fired a one-timer from the high slot off a good setup from Evan Dantas. The goal opened the scoring in Saturday’s contest and gave the Aviators their first lead of the series.
Then, Maglio showed terrific hand-eye coordination, receiving a Jake Baratta pass off his skate before pushing it across the goal line with his stick.
The score was initially ruled out for the kick, but upon review, the officials deemed that Maglio’s stick was the last contact before the puck crossed the line, resulting in a good goal.
Elmira will try to carry the positives from its first series in 2026 into a roadtrip to New Hampshire next weekend. The Aviators will battle the Mountain Kings at Delta Dental Arena Friday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m.
The games 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].