Enforcers Battle Hard, But Still Can't Beat Thunderbirds

By Jonathan Kliment 

Elmira, NY - The Elmira Enforcers hosted the Carolina Thunderbirds for the third time at First Arena on Friday night. The Enforcers have yet to be able to grab a W from the southernmost team in the FHL, and that streak continued into tonight. Despite a quick start, Elmira was outscored with two unanswered tallies. 

The Enforcers started off right as Cal Miska scored at 2:12 into the game on a dish from Brandon Vuic and Marko Novosel. The lead would hold up for just under six minutes before Michael Bunn tallied on the power play on a controversial goal with three Carolina players in the crease. 

The second period held a lot of intrigue as Karel Drahorad scored for the Thunderbirds to give them a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Enforcers would have opportunities abound, as they had a rare penalty shot and an abundance of power play chances. 

The third period offered the same as the second, as the Enforcers continued to be blockaded by Christian Pavlas to see the Thunderbirds kill off the remaining 20 minutes with ease. 

Troy Passingham stopped 26 of 28 on the night, while Pavlas stopped 42 of 43 for the win. 

The Enforcers are back in action tomorrow night as they take on the Mentor Ice Breakers for the first time this season at 7:05 PM.

Photo credit: Curtis Berleue Photography