Elmira Earns Victory In Rough Battle At Scope

NORFOLK, VA. - The Elmira Jackals (12-38-7-1) put up six on the Norfolk Admirals (21-31-40-4) on Saturday, earning a split of the weekend in Virginia.

After being on the wrong end of a 3-0 score at the end of one on Friday, Elmira flipped the script on Norfolk and claimed a 2-0 lead of their own.

An early tripping minor on Gabriel Verpaelst gave the Jackals the opportunity on the man advantage, one they would capitalize upon.  Sebastien Sylvestre made it 1-0 Jackals just 3:00 in, as he walked inside the glove side circle of Philippe Desrosiers and snapped one through a screen.  Desrosiers was unable to track the puck from start to finish, giving Sylvestre his 15th of the year.

With a 1-0 lead in their favor for the duration of the first period, Elmira would extend that to 2-0 with just 28 seconds left in the frame.  Charlie Mosey was able to grab a loose puck in the corner, work his way towards the slot, spin and fire past Desrosiers for just his fourth goal in 42 games.

Norfolk would cut the lead in half in the second, however, it was one that wouldn't last long.  While on the power play, Gabriel Verpaelst was able to clean up the scraps and beat Andy Iles for the first time all evening.  Paul Rodrigues attempt in tight was initially turned aside but the Admirals alternate captain was in the right place at the right time for his sixth marker of the season.

Elmira had an immediate answer though as Casey Thrush was able to give Elmira their two goal lead back.  It was the second point of the evening for the eventual third star.

The wheels came off the wagon in the final frame of regulation though, combining for five goals and 44 penalty minutes.  Elmira claimed the first three of the period, pushing their advantage to 6-1.  Ian Young, Matt Stanisz and Sebastien Sylvestre were the goal scorers for the Jackals, putting them ahead by a sizable margin.

A scrum with just over 8 minutes left turned the tide in the favor of Norfolk though.  Frankie Simonelli and Ben Betker both scored from the blue line to pull the Admirals back within three.  Ultimately it wasn't enough though, as the Admirals fell by a score of 6-3.

Andy Iles earned the victory, stopping 30 of 33.  Philippe Desrosiers suffered the loss in net, letting six by on 29 shots.

The Admirals now hit the road to take on the Reading Royals tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 in Pennsylvania.  Following that game and a few days on the road, the team will return home for St. Patrick's Day Weekend on Friday, March 17 and 18.

Friday, March 17 the team will have drink specials for a 7:30 puck drop against Reading.  Saturday, March 18 is Sell Out The Scope Night, plus Pucks and Paws, as folks are allowed to bring their dog to the game for just a $5 donation to a local animal shelter.  Additionally, there is a cap giveaway sponsored by BB&T, green ice and green jerseys to encompass the holiday flare.