ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (8-10-1-0) overcame the Maine Nordiques (12-4-1-1) in a defensive battle 2-1 at the LECOM Event Center Friday night.
All eyes focused on Maine netminder Lukas Fursten entering Friday’s game. Fursten entered the contest leading all qualified goaltenders in goals against average, save percentage and shutouts. Fursten had not lost a game in regulation since Oct. 3.
However, it was Elmira goaltender Aiden McKenna who stole the show with a career high 43 saves Friday night.
McKenna stood on his head for the Aviators as his confidence grew throughout the night. Friday’s tilt went scoreless for the first 54:15 before Elmira finally grabbed the lead late in the final period.
Luke Rubin broke the ice on a power play, precisely deflecting an Andrew Horn shot to the back of the net.
The Aviators added insurance less than two minutes later. Matthew Maglio delivered a low driven shot right off a faceoff. The rebound fell nicely on the stick of Cael Primanti, who rammed the puck home to put Elmira up 2-0.
The Nordiques did not go down quietly, pulling one back with the extra attacker out inside the final two minutes. Though the Nordiques came close, the Aviators rallied around their goaltender to secure a stellar defensive victory against a top side in the division.
McKenna now holds a 3-2-0-0 record with a 2.62 goals against average and a .924 save percentage on the season. The Vermont commit will try to keep up his strong play when the Aviators travel to Johnstown to battle the Tomahawks.
Game 1 at 1st Summit Arena is Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m., and Game 2 is Saturday, Nov. 15, 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].