The start to the season has been strong for the Maryland Black Bears, who entered Friday night 6-0-0 against the East Division as they prepared to take on the Elmira Aviators for the first time this season. Despite a strong comeback effort, Maryland fell 3-1 to Elmira, marking the first time they’ve lost in regulation this season. The Black Bears now sit at 8-1-1 on the season, while the Aviators improve to 4-5-1.

Elmira struck first with a power play goal from forward Cruz Ferguson, who tapped the puck just inside the near post and in for a 1-0 lead. The Aviators doubled their lead 26 seconds later after a Maryland turnover behind the net, leading to a snap shot goal in the slot from forward Liam McCloy for a 2-0 lead. The Black Bears bounced back with a dominant second period, as Maryland outshot Elmira 26-8 that frame. Only one shot, however, found the back of the net. Black Bears forward Lucas Salvatore recorded his first goal with Maryland by chipping a pass from forward Matthew Shpungin past Aviators’ goaltender Connor O’Brien to make the score 2-1. Elmira regained a two-goal lead with a snap shot goal from forward Adam Kurka for a 3-1 advantage. Despite a strong end to the third period and some fantastic saves from Black Bears’ goaltender Cole Werthman, Maryland failed to come back and lost 3-1. Werthman made 26 saves in the loss for the Black Bears, while O’Brien made 58 saves for the Aviators.

Maryland and Elmira rematch on Saturday, October 10th, at 7:00 p.m. ET, at Piney Orchard Ice Arena. All games can be streamed on NATV.