Elmira swept by Rochester as Jr. Americans clinch top seed in East

Rochester, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (19-32-3-1) could not keep hot with the red-hot Rochester Jr. Americans (38-9-3-5) as they were downed 5-1 at the Rochester Ice Center Saturday night.

Rochester forwards Calle Karlsson, Adam Gionta and Owen King continued their exceptional play as each forward recorded multiple points on the evening. The Jr. Americans scored four power-play goals out of seven attempts en route to victory.

The Aviators scored their lone goal on the man advantage with Jett Otwell firing from distance. The frozen biscuit looked to take a deflection on its way to the back of the net, but Otwell remains credited with the tally.

Skidmore College commit Bryce Terry picked up the lone assist on Otwell’s goal. Terry will play two sports at Skidmore, ice hockey and lacrosse.

Tensions flared all weekend between the Aviators and Jr. Americans, but tempers boiled over in a big way with a massive brawl towards the end of the third period.

Fights ensued involving Elmira’s Charlie Vincent, Eron Mitchell and Andrew Piccirillo. Vincent and Mitchell received game misconducts in the battle. The officials also gave early dismissals to three Rochester players.

Despite the fisticuffs, the game was already decided as a contest as the Jr. Americans skated on to secure their 5-1 win along with the NAHL East Division regular season title. Rochester will hold the No. 1 seed in the East Division playoffs following the conclusion of the regular season.

As for Elmira, the Aviators will travel to Maine next week to take on the Nordiques. The series will take place on Thursday and Friday instead of the usual Friday and Saturday.

Puck drop for Game 1 is Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. and Game 2 is Friday, March 28, 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].