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FPHL Elmira Enforcers

Enforcers Rally Late, but Unable to Complete Comeback in OT

November 23, 2018 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Elmira Enforcers News Release


The city of Elmira huddled into the First Arena Friday night to watch their Enforcers take on the Port Huron Prowlers. Elmira is (2-0) against the Prowlers this season, and that has turned out to be Elmira's lone two victories on the season. Both teams entered play tonight with the same record at (2-4-0-1). Elmira can arguably be considered the favorite as they entered tonight with a (13-5) goal advantage over the Prowlers in their previous two matchups this season.

Uncharacteristically, the 1st period action started out slowly as the fans saw some back and forth play from both teams. Austin Daae was able to quiet the crowd when he forced a weak shot off the blocker of Troy Passingham and across the goal line to give Port Huron the 1-0 advantage. However, do not let the score fool you; Elmira had their opportunities as they were able to create a few odd-man rushes. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize, which has seemed to be a common theme for the Enforcers this year.

The energy picked up in the 2ndperiod as we saw both teams playing the body and even sometimes playing too aggressive which was the cause of a couple of penalties. Port Huron was able to take advantage of their man advantage that they were generously given after a football-like tackle by Kyle Stevens. Yianni Liarakos popped Passingham's water bottle after a beautiful pass from Paul Arnot that threw the entire Enforcers' defense in the spin cycle. After constant pressure and dominating the shot chart 27-18, the Enforcers were finally able to find a response. Cal Miska put home a rebound after a booming shot from the point by the big body of Glen Patterson. After dominance in the offensive zone, it only seemed like a matter of time before Elmira lit the lamp again in the 3rd period.

The Enforcers came into the game with a game plan and they executed it fairly well. The moment the puck dropped they wanted to get pucks on net and test the Port Huron netminder. Chris Paulin was making his first start of the year, but he stood his ground and showed no signs of first-game jitters. Paulin turned down 49 of 52 and proved to be the Prowlers biggest asset of the night. Matyas Kasek got the Prowlers on the board after some beautiful tape-to-tape passing by Zachary Zulkanycz and Matt Graham. Elmira's captain, Ahmed Mahfouz, got the Enforcers within one goal after being fed in the slot by Dale Deon from behind the net. Just as the fans started heading for the exits and the Prowlers thought they earned their first victory against Elmira of the year, the captain struck again. Mahfouz got the puck on his stick in the crease and went top-shelf off of his backhand to beat Paulin on a near "buzzer-beater."

Mahfouz got the crowd on their feet, and Elmira was ready to get their first home win of the year in overtime. Unfortunately, Port Huron spoiled the party at the First Arena. In a 3v3 overtime the Prowlers attacked quickly. Just sixteen seconds into the overtime, Port Huron created a 2-on-1 and they executed. Matt Graham set up Austin Daae for a one-timer to beat Passingham and the Enforcers 4-3.

Elmira will look to gain revenge and continue their dominance against the Prowlers tomorrow night at 7:05 pm.

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Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from November 23, 2018


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