Thunderbirds Win Four in a Row

By Jonathan Kliment 

Elmira, NY - The Elmira Enforcers had retribution on their minds as they met with the top squad in the FHL again on Saturday night. However, it would be the Carolina Thunderbirds that would continue their dominance with a 6-4 victory in front of a crowd of 3,748.

The first period would see Elmira lead shots on goal, 11-8 but behind on the scoreboard. A shot from Michael Bunn beat Troy Passingham on the glove side to give the Thunderbirds a 1-0 lead at intermission. 

Dominik Fejt tallied only 38 seconds into the second period, and Bunn got his second of the night at 5:55 to put the Thunderbirds up, 3-0. Gavin Yates was finally able to get the Enforcers on the board at 7:13 on a power play when he received a pass on the side of the net from Stepan Timofeyev to bury one past Carolina netminder Christian Pavlas. Late in the period, Chase Fallis poked a puck away and scored shorthanded on another power play opportunity to give Carolina a 4-1 lead. The Enforcers struck back with 12 seconds to go when Yates connected on a perfect pass across the netmouth by Ahmed Mahfouz.

The third period seemed to be a back and forth battle, but it would ultimately see Carolina on top. Josh Pietrantonio scored at 13:55 which inspired Brent Clarke to pull the goaltender for the extra attacker with six minutes remaining. Unfortunately, this opened up the door for Ray Boudiette's first goal of the season. The Enforcers didn't quit though, and tallied two more power play goals, one coming from Mahfouz and a last second goal from Mitch Atikins. In between the two goals Gavin Yates was awarded a penalty shot that Pavlas was able to stonewall. 

The Enforcers complete their nine game homestand tomorrow afternoon at 4:05 PM. Get your tickets today and skate with the team after the game!

Photo credit: Curtis Berleue Photography