Aviators swept by Nordiques for second time
ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Maine Nordiques (16-12-2-1) handled the (Elmira Aviators (11-14-3-1) by a score of 4-2 at the LECOM Event Center Saturday night.
Entering the series against Elmira, the Nordiques were navigating rough waters, having lost six straight games. Meanwhile, the Aviators had rattled off three wins in a row, their longest winning streak of the season.
In Friday’s game, the plot looked to be playing out as expected. The Aviators carried a 2-1 lead into the third period. However, the Nordiques rattled off five unanswered goals in the final frame, regaining their offensive swagger en route to a 6-2 victory.
Maine carried that confidence into Game 2 with excellent play in the final two periods.
The home crowd did have something to cheer about in the opening period of play. Clarence Beltz got the Aviators on the board first ushering a wave of teddy bears from the home supporters.
The stuffed animals were collected and are being donated to Toys for Tots.
The Nordiques dominated much of the second period, outshooting the Aviators 30-16 after that run of play. Maine scored two goals separated by four minutes to build a two-goal lead.
The Aviators generated momentum going into the third period on the rush with Logan Herbener and Jett Otwell combining to set up Charlie Fink for a one-time blast that pulled Elmira within one.
Elmira started with a flurry in the third, with carryover power play time to generate chances. But, the Nordiques weathered the storm and did well to protect their slim advantage.
Just over three minutes into the period, the Aviators gift-wrapped the Nordiques a chance that Maine would not miss, even if it was unorthodox.
Zack Zhang fanned on an initial shot with the Elmira cage gaping. His second try hit the crossbar and went out before finding the back heel of Connor McNaughton and trickling over the goal line.
Maine stifled Elmira from there.
Stout Maine defense and poorly timed penalties from the Aviators did Elmira in, allowing the Nordiques to secure the series sweep and move to 4-0 against the Aviators.
Next weekend the Aviators will play their final series of 2024 back at home inside the LECOM Event Center.
Game 1 is Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Game 2 is Saturday, Dec. 21 also at 7 p.m. Friday’s game will have free admittance for all medical professionals and will feature a Coke giveaway.
Saturday’s game is festive attire night. Fans in holiday attire will receive $5 off of their ticket price.
The games can also 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].