ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (4-6-0-0) made their home opener memorable, electrifying their fans with a come-from-behind 5-4 overtime victory over the Northeast Generals (5-3-2-0) at the LECOM Event Center Friday night.
Yianni Koukouves played hero, bursting down the left wing and taking the game-winning shot in a two-on-one rush. Koukouves had done the dirty work all night long for Elmira, but basked in glory when he got to take his chance to win it for his side.
The Generals entered Friday’s game on a five-game winning streak, securing all three games at the NAHL Showcase before sweeping the defending East Division Champion Rochester Jr. Americans.
Meanwhile, Elmira entered Friday coming off a sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia Rebels. The Aviators allowed 12 goals in two games against the Rebels, making their showcase success seem like a distant memory.
After the theatrics of player intros and pyrotechnics, the tilt played out as outsiders would expect. The Generals grabbed a 2-0 lead with the Aviators looking lost for most of the opening frame.
Then, a spark. Cody Powels bravely stick-handled his way toward both Northeast defensemen, freeing space for Max McGuire. Powels slipped the frozen biscuit to McGuire, and the Niagara commit buried the chance with a fine top-corner finish.
That got the crowd on its feet, but what happened next sent them into a frenzy.
Shawn Laperriere decided to drop the gloves with Northeast defenseman Vinny Ipri. Laperriere promptly deposited Ipri to the ice, giving the fans plenty to cheer about going to the first intermission.
Elmira would pull the game level thanks to a Cael Primanti goal in the second, but a late Aviator penalty set the stage for a wild third period.
The Generals converted on their power play to start the third. Suddenly, the momentum pendulum was back in their favor. Jack Kohlmann answered just over three minutes later for Elmira, but Northeast would score a gut-punching goal with Spencer Hirsch tallying short-handed to put the Gens back in front.
However, Northeast struggled to stay disciplined and handed Elmira a brief five-on-three advantage midway through the third. A patented Matthew Maglio one-timer evened the score and set the stage for an eventual overtime.
Vladimir Pechenin made game-saving stop after game-saving stop to allow the Aviators to come back. He added one more showstopper in overtime, sprawling on his belly to keep out Stephen Fabiano.
Then, Koukouves scored the winner and the crowd exploded, leading to a memorable home opening win.
The Aviators will go for their first sweep of the 2025-26 season back at the LECOM Event Center Saturday at 7 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].