HOOKSETT, N.H. – The Elmira Aviators (6-10-0-0) let the game slip away to the New Hampshire Mountain Kings (7-8-0-2), falling 6-3 at Delta Dental Arena Friday night.
Elmira had a strong start to Friday’s contest, scoring the opening two goals. Veteran Jack Kohlmann showed off his sweet shot on the rush to break the ice, then later, Max Campbell doubled the Aviators’ advantage with a score shortly after a power play expired.
Kohlmann is now riding a three-game point streak with one goal and four assists.
The Mountain Kings pulled one back in the early stages of the second period, but the Aviators did well to fend them off for the rest of the frame. The purple and black re-established a multi-goal advantage in the final minute of the period with Max McGuire wiring a shot past Jake Kunzon.
With a 3-1 lead after two periods, Elmira was on a streak of 8 straight periods without trailing in a game. Unfortunately for the Aviators, they would go on to be haunted by a disastrous third period.
About midway through the third, once again, New Hampshire drew within one tally. Cole Roenick, nephew of long-time NHLer Jeremy Roenick, gave life to the Mountain Kings.
However, it looked like things were turning back in Elmira’s favor when the Mountain Kings took a penalty 1:24 after scoring.
The Aviator power play struggled to score throughout Friday’s game, but hit the back of the net on the crucial third-period power play. Though to the Aviators’ dismay, the score was ruled out for goaltender interference.
Luke Rubin was driving the goal crease and was ruled to have impeded the goaltender’s ability to play his position.
From there, the Mountain Kings carried full momentum. They scored a short-handed goal to tie the game, then an even-strength goal to take the lead moments later.
All in all, New Hampshire rallied off three goals in 3:46 of game time to grab the lead. They went on to add two more, one to seal a hat trick for Roenick and an empty netter as time expired.
In total, the Mountain Kings scored five unanswered goals in the third period, shocking the Aviators.
Elmira will have its chance to bounce right back on its feet on Saturday night at Delta Dental Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 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].