BLAINE, Minn. — The Aviators (2-4-1) closed out the NAHL Showcase on Friday against the Odessa Jackalopes (3-1). Despite a heroic performance from goaltender Connor O'Brien, who made 32 saves, Odessa pulled out a 2-1 shootout win.
“The boys had a really hard-fought game today. Sometimes things just don't go your way — definitely some chances we want back — but we showed a lot of compete, and I'm excited to see how far we go this season.”
The only regulation goal for the Aviators came in the third period. After forward Cael Primanti won an offensive-zone draw, the puck skipped onto forward Matt Maglio's stick. Maglio ripped a shot from the left circle to tie the game at one.
Odessa leaned on O'Brien again in the closing minutes of regulation, but he held the game to overtime. Controlling the extra period with possession, the Aviators drew a penalty and pushed with a 4-on-3 man advantage. On the power play, Primanti came inches from deflecting home a centering feed from forward Nico Pohjola, but Elmira couldn't find another high-danger chance, and Odessa forced a shootout.
The shootout went 14 rounds. Only Maglio converted for Elmira, but Odessa managed just two goals on its fourteen tries — enough for the extra point.
The Aviators are back in action next Friday and Saturday at the LECOM Event Center for their home opener against the Danbury Hat Tricks, who went 1-2 at the Showcase and stand 2-5 through seven games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Story by Kevin Broderick. Every date, home and away, is on the full 2026-27 schedule.