By: Joe Soccoa
Just what every romance needed on Valentine’s Day, a two game set between division rivals as the Aviators took a trip to the Jersey Shore this past weekend. The number one and two teams battled to yet another high scoring weekend. It all started Saturday that saw the Aviators staving off an onslaught of shots in the third period (29) and was able to contain the Wildcats 7-6. Aviators got a major contribution from Nick Jean-Louis as he picked up the hat trick and helped propel his team to the victory.
The Aviators were able to coast off 4 short-handed goals scored by, Robert Kalata, Nick Jean-Louis, Nick Lermer and Sean Lake. Jimmy Warrick also added to his already team leading goals picking up his 32rd of the season. The Wildcats went through both of their goalies while Stephan Mundinger was able to hold on and make 59 saves to secure the victory.
Going into the Valentine’s Day match-up the Aviators went right back to work, as they were able to beat the Wildcasts 5-2 in a much more subdued way. For the second straight day they were able to get yet another hat trick, this time by Dominic Sacco. Jimmy Warrick continued to add to his total and grab his second goal of the weekend and 33rd of the season. Despite having just ten total shots in periods 2 and 3 combined the Aviators were able to close the door and Mundinger playing in back to back games was able to make 29 saves and grab the win.
The Aviators (27-8-3) have clinched a playoff birth but know there is still work to be done as they look to lockup the second spot in their division. With just 6 games remaining the task at hand is to grab as many points as possible. Starting the weekend coming up (Feb 20-21) the Aviators will have a home and home as they take on Wilkes-Barre on Saturday at Toyota Sports and then come home on Sunday for a matinee at Hanger 5. Looking past the weekend the final games will see the Aviators at home in 4 of there last 6. They’ll host the Jersey Shore Wildcats during the Feb. 26-27 weekend and then wrap the season with a home and home starting Mar 5-6.
