Aviators upset Black Bears in thrilling victory
ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (17-26-3-1) knocked off the Maryland Black Bears (30-14-1-2) 2-1 in a tight-knit battle at the LECOM Event Center Friday night.
Goaltending and defense ruled most of the day again for the Aviators and the Black Bears. Maryland’s Marko Bilic made 25 saves on 27 shots. He allowed only three goals across the two-game series.
However, Elmira’s Wesley Jefferson-Swint II wound up victorious Saturday with an impressive 28 saves on 29 Maryland shots throughout the game. Jefferson-Swint II was excellent all night as he patiently waited for the Elmira offense to kick into gear.
The Aviators got on the board for the first time in the game and in the series 3:38 into the second period.
Eron Mitchell slid the puck over to Thomas Weekes who one-touched it to Charlie Vincent who buried the chance. The goal was Vincent’s fourth of the season and tied the game up 1-1.
For Mitchell, the 6 foot 9 inch forward, the assist was his first point in the NAHL.
The two teams continued in a defensive battle through the rest of the second period. Both penalty kills got lots of work and the Aviators were perfect. Elmira went five-for-five on the kill, but for Maryland it was a different story.
With just under eight minutes to play in regulation time, the Black Bears took a cross-checking penalty. Then, four seconds later, another penalty, this time for delay of game.
This gave the Aviators a lengthy five-on-three and they did not throw away their opportunity.
Clarence Beltz worked the puck down low to the side of the net to Jett Otwell who maneuvered the puck onto his forehand to slot the game-winning goal for Elmira.
The win snaps a three-game losing streak for Elmira and puts the Aviators six points out of a playoff spot.
Next weekend the Aviators will hit the road to take on the Philadelphia Rebels. Game 1 is Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Game 2 is Saturday, March 1 also at 7:30 p.m.
The games can be streamed on NATV and listened to on Big Foot Country Legends.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him email [email protected].