Elmira Aviators roll to exhibition win in home debut, look ahead to regular season

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The Elmira Aviators earned an exhibition win in their home debut.

The Elmira Aviators rolled past the Binghamton Buzz 10-0, in preseason action on Saturday. The dominant showing accounts for the team’s first-ever victory at the LECOM Events Center (formerly First Arena). The Aviators introduced Elmira fans to North American Hockey League (NAHL) action, scoring 4 goals in the 1st period, including Kai Elkie’s opener, just 12 seconds in.

Prior to the exhibition matchup, the Aviators hosted their first media day event, sharing their excitement about playing in the Twin Tiers.

Elmira Head Coach Cody Murphy explained that the team’s roster is made up of young and talented players, looking to earn a spot at the NCAA Division I level. The former Elmira Jr Enforcers Head Coach added that he is excited for his roster to play in front of local fans.

“It’s really fun, said Murphy. It’s the type of environment that these kids want to play in. We are so thankful to be here and we’re looking for as much support from the community as possible. I understand it’s frustrating to see all of the teams come in and out, but I believe this is the beginning of something special. We really want others to be involved in that.”

As for the players who will suit up and take the ice, they are excited to put on a show for local fans.

“I know this building (LECOM Events Center) has a lot of hockey history, said Aviators forward Gavin Duckworth. I’m glad they passed the torch to us and I get the opportunity to play on this ice, like the teams of the past.”

Defenseman Andrew Piccirillo shared in his teammate’s excitement and emphasized that this year’s team is striving to have a competitive season.

“I think we are setting goals as if we were an old franchise, said Piccirillo. We have high hopes and a really good group. There is a lot of skill up and down the lineup, plus I think with our coaching staff, and this facility, we will be really successful this year.”

Duckworth added that this year’s Aviators squad has a shot to make history with a 30 win season.

“We’re looking to win thirty games this year, said Duckworth. Only six brand new teams have ever done that in the North American (Hockey) League, and we are looking to be the seventh.”

The Aviators open their regular season on September 13th, playing in Danbury. The matchup begins a 7-game road trip throughout the month of September, before Elmira returns home in October. On Friday, October 4th the Aviators play their 1st regular season home game against the New Hampshire Mountain Kings. A full schedule can be found by following this link.

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