1/4 vs New Hampshire Mountain Kings

Jan 5, 2025

Curtiss Sturgeon scores first hat trick in Aviator history, but Elmira falls 7-4 to New Hampshire

ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (12-17-3-1) could not complete a three-goal comeback against the New Hampshire Mountain Kings (17-15-0-1), losing 7-4 Saturday night.

Curtiss Sturgeon scored the first hat trick in Elmira Aviators’ history in a comeback bid that fell short. Elmira trailed by three goals in the second period, but Sturgeon fired back in more ways than one.

First, he helped reignite a struggling Elmira power play. The Aviators went 0/7 on the man advantage in Friday’s game, but Sturgeon lit the lamp just seven seconds into a second-period power play.

Jett Otwell dished the frozen biscuit down low to Cooper Ebrhardt who quickly pushed it out in front to Sturgeon in the bumper spot for the score.

The Aviators were in trouble taking a penalty late in the second period and still trailing by three goals. However, Sturgeon changed the energy, going coast to coast and scoring a shorthanded goal off his own rebound.

Sturgeon stepped up at even strength after doing it all on special teams. Logan Herbener made a pass out in front for Sturgeon to bury his hat trick goal, pulling the Aviators within one during the third period.

However, Elmira could not muster any more offense against New Hampshire goaltender Sam Scopa. The Mountain Kings eventually re-established their two-goal lead and then tallied an empty netter to win 7-4.

The Aviators will look for their first win in 2025, where they got their first win in 2024. Elmira will go to Danbury to battle the Jr. Hattricks on Friday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.

The Hattricks and Aviators both have 28 points in the East division standings, but Danbury holds a narrow edge with one more win and fewer games played. Elmira and Danbury split their first series back in early September.

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].