ODENTON, MD – The Elmira Aviators (10-13-3-1) had their attack stifled by the division-leading Maryland Black Bears (24-3-2-1), losing 3-0 at Piney Orchard Ice Arena Saturday night.
Maryland entered Saturday’s game determined after the Aviators shocked the Black Bears with an overtime victory on Friday night.
The Black Bears made sure to play the game on their terms and at their pace. Maryland held Elmira to 15 shots on goal for the game en route to goaltender Dom Gatto’s second shutout of the season.
Maryland was especially strong in the final frame, holding the Aviators to just two shots in the final 20 minutes.
Penalties also didn’t go Elmira’s way. The Aviators were assessed 24 total penalty minutes by the officials in Saturday night’s game.
It was difficult for the purple and black to generate much offense in a comeback bid with the Black Bears on the power play so often.
Aviator netminder Aiden McKenna had a solid outing, keeping his side in the game for as long as he could. McKenna made 27 saves on 30 shots Saturday night, amassing 73 stops across the two-game series.
Next weekend, the Aviators will venture to Danbury to battle the Hat Tricks. Game 1 is Friday, Dec. 12, at 3:30 p.m. Game 2 is Saturday, Dec. 13, 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].