FINALS GAME 2 RECAPS 5/3/25

COMMISSIONER'S CUP EDITION

BINGHAMTON BLACK BEARS at CAROLINA THUNDERBIRDS

Carolina Blanked in Game Two by Binghamton, 1-0

Boris Babik stops 42 shots in loss

by Brendan Reilly

Winston-Salem, NC - The Carolina Thunderbirds dropped Game Two of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals to the Binghamton Black Bears, 1-0, on Saturday evening at the Fairgrounds Arena in front of 2,932 fans.

Carolina gave the nod to Boris Babik in net for Game Two opposing Binghamton netminder Connor McAnanama and the two shined in Winston-Salem. Both goalies blanked each side in the 1st before Zac Sirota punched home the only goal of the evening seven minutes into the 2nd period. Babik rebounded after, but offensively, the Thunderbirds could not figure out McAnanama.

In the 3rd period, Binghamton controlled play before the Thunderbirds pulled Babik in the final two-and-a-half minutes. With the extra attacker on the ice, McAnanama stood tall closing out a 42-save shutout and a 1-0 Game Two victory for the Black Bears. 

Babik stopped 42 of 43 shots in the loss, but the Black Bears take a 2-0 series lead in the best-of-five series heading home. 

The Commissioners’ Cup Finals shifts to Binghamton next Friday for Game Three. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. from the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, New York. 

McAnanama Shuts The Door... Again!

by Brooks Hill

Winston-Salem, NC -  The Binghamton Black Bears defeated the Carolina Thunderbirds 1-0 in game two of the Comissioner's Cup Finals. The Black Bears won their final two road games of the season and carry a 2-0 series lead back to New York. Connor McAnanama recorded his fourth shutout of the postseason, stopping all 42 shots he faced. 

In a pivotal game two, Carolina jumped onto the ice needing a win to earn a split in the first half of the finals. The Thunderbirds pushed the tempo in the opening frame. Carolina had three power play opportunities in the opening period, but the Black Bears penalty kill stood tall. Nobody was able to score for the first time in the series, it was 0-0 after 20. 

Binghamton started the second on the power play, but like the Thunderbirds, came up empty-handed. At the seven minute mark, Zac Sirota scored his first goal of the playoffs, unassisted, giving the Black Bears a 1-0 lead. After a failed 5-on-3, Carolina tried to grab momentum, but Connor McAnanama slammed the door. Through two periods, Binghamton had the slightest lead 1-0. 

In the third, teams traded chances on both ends; Carolina chasing for the equalizer, and Binghamton looking for some insurance. Gus Ford had a shorthanded breakaway roll off his stick, Gavin Yates had a shot punched away by Boris Babik. With time winding down, the Thunderbirds pulled the goalie and pushed with the extra attacker. Binghamton defense stood tall, and for the fourth time this playoffs, McAnanama recorded a shutout. Binghamton wins 1-0, and earns a 2-0 series lead.