ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (9-12-3-1) lost their first shootout of the year, 4-3, to the Rochester Jr. Americans (15-10-0-0) at the LECOM Event Center Saturday night.
Power plays ruled the day Saturday, with each of the team’s six goals in regulation coming by way of the man advantage.
The Aviators took advantage of a five-minute power play to wreak havoc on Rochester in the first period. Elmira scored two goals on this advantage to tie the game and then take the lead.
The Aviators tied the game in the third period by way of a timely power play goal. Overall, Elmira went three out of five on the power play, with focused shots to the net and excellent puck movement to garner success.
Throughout even-strength play, it was the goaltenders reigning supreme.
Aiden McKenna had a fantastic weekend for the Aviators between the pipes. He stopped 41 of 44 Rochester shots through 65 minutes of play and added two saves on the three Rochester shootout attempts.
Unfortunately for McKenna, the Aviators were unable to score in the shootout. Despite playing 25 games this season, Saturday was the first time Elmira participated in a shootout.
Rochester, meanwhile, entered Saturday’s tilt 2-0 in shootouts and extended that mark to 3-0 with a win over the Aviators.
Despite the unfortunate result, Elmira has a ton to be proud of from its weekend series against its in-state rival. The Aviators took three of four points against one of the hottest teams in the league.
Coming into the series, the Jr. Americans had won seven of eight games, averaging 4.5 goals per game over that stretch. The Aviators held Rochetser to five total goals across regulation for the series and only lost when they were put into unfamiliar territory with the shootout.
Individuals also continued hot streaks in Saturday’s game.
Yianni Koukouves extended his point streak to six games with a goal and an assist Saturday. Evan Dantas kept up a three-game point streak of his own with an assist against Rochester.
Of course, Elmira will hope to accomplish more sweeps in the future, but against the defending champs, the squad will have a lot to be proud of as it prepares to take on another top dog.
Next weekend, the Aviators will hit the road and take on the division-leading Maryland Black Bears. Game 1 is Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Game 2 is Saturday, Dec. 6, 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].