ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (12-15-3-1) took down the Northeast Generals (16-12-3-1) 3-2 in overtime off the back of a 41-save performance from goaltender Jake Shingles Saturday night.
Shingles, who has been backing up for Aiden McKenna over the last handful of weeks, made the most of his first career start on Saturday against the Generals.
The 2007-born netminder made a bucket full of show-stopping saves using every tool to fluster Northeast’s attack.
He made a last effort dive to keep out the Generals by getting the puck with the paddle of his stick in the first period. Later, he robbed Kody Moyer in tight, flashing the leather from close range while the Generals were on the power play.
Nearly every time the Generals asked the question, Shingles had an answer. The Allentown native admitted he was feeling the nerves in his first start, but stayed focused on his one job of stopping the puck.
Elmira made sure to pay off Shingles’ spectacular play by staging a comeback late in the second period. With the Generals ahead 2-1 and looking to extend the lead on the power play, Shawn Laperriere flipped the game on its head.
Laperriere stole the puck at the Gens’ attacking blue line and motored coast to coast, scoring a short-handed goal for the Aviators and tying the game up at two.
The teams went scoreless throughout the third period, sending the game to overtime.
In the extra session, Elmira took advantage of the open ice with Cael Primanti springing Max Campbell, who slotted a long-range shot to win it for the Aviators.
Elmira heads into the holiday break with a hard-earned split against Northeast. The Aviators will return to action in the new year against the division-leading Maryland Black Bears back on home ice inside the LECOM Event Center.
Game 1 is slated for Friday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. Game 2 is Saturday, Jan. 3, also 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].