BLAINE, M.N. – The Elmira Aviators (2-4-0-0) couldn’t claw their way back against the Oklahoma Warriors (4-3-0-0), losing 4-2 at the NSC Super Rink Friday morning.
The Aviators had a quick turnaround after their wild comeback win on Thursday, with puck drop at 9:30 a.m. local time Friday morning. Despite the early start, Elmira looked ready to play, going toe-to-toe with the Warriors in the first period.
After Oklahoma got up 1-0, Elmira tied it up thanks to Yianni Koukouves deflecting a Jack Kohlmann snap shot. The tally was Koukouves’ second of the season and second in as many days.
The middle period belonged to Oklahoma, with the Warriors using odd-man rushes to build out a lead. They took a 3-1 lead into the third period.
Elmira made it interesting about halfway through the final frame. Cael Primanti wrestled the puck off the near boards, drove the net and made a fantastic cross-ice pass to Brenden Bedorf, who made no mistake, pulling the Aviators within a goal.
The Warriors stayed calm and committed to their game, though. Oklahoma blocked shots and killed penalties as one cohesive unit. Oklahoma re-established a two-goal advantage during a four-on-four in the back half of the third period.
The Aviators tried to scratch and claw, as they did in their win against Shreveport, but could not crack the tough Warrior defense, ultimately falling by a final score of 4-2.
Saturday afternoon the Aviators will play their final game of the NAHL Showcase against the North Iowa Bulls. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EST. The game 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].