Enforcers Prevail in Shootout

By Jonathan Kliment 

Elmira, NY - The Elmira Enforcers came off their first loss of the season to the Mentor Ice Breakers and were looking for revenge as they concluded the home portion of their schedule on Saturday night. The home team would come out on top after a valiant comeback attempt from the Ice Breakers with a 4-3 shootout victory in front of 3,671 at First Arena. 

Elmira would fire shot after shot at Derek Moser with minimal stoppages until Brandon Vuic finally got through with just two seconds left in the first period. The Enforcers led in the shots category with a 12-7 advantage.

Elmira continued their push early in the second when Vuic drew a delayed penalty call and Nathan Pelligra took advantage to bury one past Moser at 6:49. However, as we learned on Friday night, Mentor will not go down easily. Nathan Farrington scored on the power play at 15:26 and then Tommy Mahoney tied the score with just nine seconds to go in the period. The Enforcers went to the locker room with a shot advantage of 24-17. 

The Ice Breakers got the third period lead at 7:52 when Patrick Porkka snuck one by Nick Niedert, forcing the Enforcers to chase throughout the rest of frame. It took until 14:56, but Gavin Yates slammed one by Moser to bring Elmira back even. 

Nothing would be decided in regulation or in overtime, so it would take a stellar shootout for the Enforcers to skate away victorious. Anton Lennartsson and Sean Reynolds were able to score, while Niedert sat perfect. 

The Enforcers head to Mentor for an afternoon contest tomorrow at 4:35 PM and then have two remaining road games in Watertown and back to Mentor before the playoffs begin. The Enforcers play the first postseason home game in Elmira since 2012-13 on April 13th at 7:05 PM with their opponent to be determined. Get your tickets now at (607) 734-PUCK (7825).