Binghamton Blasts Elmira on Opening Night

by Brooks Hill

Binghamton, NY - The Binghamton Black Bears blasted away the Elmira Mammoth 10-1 on opening night. The hometown squad welcomed Elmira to the league early with a power play goal from Ondrej Vaculik, but Elmira had a quick answer just a few minutes later. During a 4-on-4 sequence, Thomas McGuire made history scoring the first goal in Mammoth franchise history. A short-side snipe over the shoulder of Owen Liskiewicz would become the first and only goal for the visiting Mammoth on both teams' opening night.

The floodgates busted open for Binghamton in the 2nd frame as the Black Bears netted five goals, three at even-strength and two more on the power play. Elmira fought hard on their end of the penalty kill, tallying four shorthanded shots on goal in the 2nd period. Liskiewicz’s best save of the game, came on a partial breakaway with the Elmira shooter challenging the high blocker. The penalties continued to rack up as both teams' trade infractions one-after-another.

Special teams paved the way for the victors tonight as Binghamton would score two shorthanded goals in the 3rd period that go the crowd to their feet. Austin Thompson and Bret Parker both stole the puck on their respective shifts and cashed in against the new goaltender Harvey White. Elmira had a couple of power play opportunities late in the game, but Liskiewicz and his defense shut the door.

Binghamton wins the home-opener 10-1.