ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (4-9-0-0) attack was stuck in neutral Saturday night as they fell 2-1 to the Maine Nordiques (8-3-1-0) at the LECOM Event Center.
Entering the third period of Saturday’s contest, Elmira had been shut out in seven consecutive periods, all on home ice. The Aviators had been outscored 15-0 over that stretch.
Elmira found some life early in the third period with a spirited tilt, with Greg Johnson taking on Braden Franck of the Nordiques. Then the Aviators got their chance to score with a power play shortly after.
Evan Dantas sent the home crowd into a frenzy with a sweet shot from the top of the far circle to put Elmira on the board. The Aviators snapped their goal drought and had plenty of time to even the score with over 18 minutes remaining in the third period.
However, the attack continued to struggle. Elmira got another power play chance later in the frame, but did not find nearly as much success.
The best chance to tie the game came when captain Brenden Bedorf fed a wide-open Matthew Maglio in front of the Maine goal. Maglio made a great move over to his forehand, but skied his effort over the crossbar.
Unfortunately, the Aviators ran out of time, despite some chances with the extra attacker out late in the game.
One bright spot for Elmira was the debut of goaltender Aiden McKenna. The 2006-born goaltender is a New York native, hailing from Rochester. He had a solid outing, making 33 saves on 35 Nordique shots.
Next weekend, the Aviators will welcome the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks to the LECOM Event Center. Game 1 is Friday, Oct. 24, and Game 2 is Saturday, Oct. 25. Both games begin at 7 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].