Second-period full of penalties set Aviators back against Rebels

SEWELL, N.J. – The Elmira Aviators (17-27-3-1) allowed five goals in a penalty-filled second period en route to a 6-1 loss to the Philadelphia Rebels (19-25-2-1) Friday night.

In a series where both teams are desperate for points in the playoff race, Friday’s first period between the Aviators and the Rebels was tight and competitive.

Ben Norris scored the opener and his first goal as an Elmira Aviator to kickstart the scoring. Curtiss Sturgeon and Andrew Horn set up Norris for the tally.

The Rebels would later respond with one of their captains and NAHL Top Prospects game selections, Brock Jones, securing the equalizer for Philadelphia.

Little did the Aviators know that this goal would be one of six unanswered for the Rebels to come. But the first period ended with the teams deadlocked and an exciting 40 minutes of hockey left ahead.

However, Elmira began a parade to the penalty box in the middle frame.

First, both Bryce Terry and Chase Murray received minor penalties. The Rebels, whose power play entered the game at 14.1% and was last in the East Division, scored on both opportunities to build a 3-1 lead. 

Then, Eron Mitchell was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct as the Rebels’ power play continued to thrive. After two periods of play, Elmira trailed 6-1, allowing five goals in the second.

The Aviators could not claw back in the third as the final frame went scoreless, and the Rebels went on to win 6-1. The Aviators will look to bounce back in Game 2 tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m.

The Philadelphia Rebels have split their last six series, so Elmira has a good chance to bounce back tomorrow.

The game 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].