Elmira Nets 9th Straight Victory

By Jonathan Kliment 

Elmira, NY - The Elmira Enforcers came into Saturday’s game looking to sweep the weekend with the Mentor Ice Breakers back at First Arena. Last night’s 5-2 affair left a lot of unresolved pressure in the building as the two teams both skated off with obvious conflict. Tonight's high scoring contest would give the Enforcers their 9th straight win to the tune of 7-1 in front of 3,512 fans.

The first period started with Mark Essery being a target for the Enforcers after last night’s antics. Brandon Vuic came out with a few quick stick motions towards Essery which was quickly calmed down by the officials. It only took 1:59 for more fireworks, this time by the scoring power of Stepan Timofeyev, who put one over Derek Moser’s glove. As the mid period approached Kyle Stevens made it 2-0, Enforcers on a beauty of a set up play from Timofeyev and Ahmed Mahfouz. Matt Kadolph got Mentor on the board at 13:27, in what would be their only goal of the evening. Kadolph got the puck in the slot and beat Nick Niedert through the legs. Just three seconds later Vuic echoed the goal on a turnover and pass to him in the slot. At 14:53 Mahfouz broke in all alone and buried the fourth goal of the game, removing Moser in the process. John Sellie-Hanson came in but with a similar result, as Brendan Hussey was able to score on a broken play at 17:13. 

The second period saw a much more disciplined Ice Breakers team come out to play. They were able to stifle the Enforcers' efforts up until the 8:18 mark when a streaking Marko Novosel fed Stevens in the slot for his second of the night. In another broken play, Glen Patterson would tally when a Mahfouz shot was wide and Mitch Atkins sent a pass out front for Patterson to stuff home, putting the Enforcers ahead, 7-1. 

The third period was a powder keg, as 13 penalties were issued between the two squads, but neither team could scratch across a goal. 

The Enforcers have now won 9 in a row, which is the longest streak in franchise history. Their next test will come as they make their final regular season trip to Danville when they take on the Dashers next weekend.