NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk Admirals returned to Norfolk Scope on Friday night looking to get back in the win column against the Greensboro Gargoyles. After falling behind in the second period, Norfolk battled its way back before captain Brandon Osmundson delivered the game-winner in overtime, securing a 3-2 victory and the Admirals' first home win of the 2026-27 season.

Goaltender Collin Delia played a key role in the victory, finishing the night with 30 saves on 32 shots faced. Justin Young recorded a goal and an assist, while Michael Citara picked up his first professional goal to help Norfolk complete the comeback.

The Admirals got off to a strong start, opening the scoring at the 5:22 mark of the first period. Young found the back of the net for his first goal of the season, with Will Gavin and Grant Hebert collecting assists to give Norfolk an early 1-0 lead.

Greensboro began finding its rhythm as the period went on, but Delia kept the Gargoyles off the scoreboard, stopping all nine shots he faced. Norfolk also successfully killed off an early penalty to Carter Korpi, allowing the Admirals to carry their one-goal advantage into the first intermission despite being outshot 9-8.

The momentum shifted in the second period as Greensboro began generating more opportunities in Norfolk's defensive zone.

At the 7:36 mark, Markus Oden scored his first goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1. Less than two minutes later, Thomas Freel put the Gargoyles ahead with his second goal of the season, giving Greensboro a 2-1 advantage at 9:30.

Norfolk struggled to find an answer for the remainder of the period, managing just five shots on goal. Greensboro carried its one-goal lead into the second intermission, outshooting the Admirals 20-13 through 40 minutes.

With 20 minutes remaining, the Admirals needed a response, and it came from Citara.

At the 6:03 mark of the third period, Citara scored his first professional goal, beating Greensboro goaltender Yegor Velmakin to even the score at 2-2. Dalton Norris and Brody Crane earned assists on the play, bringing Norfolk back into the contest.

However, the Admirals found themselves in penalty trouble throughout the remainder of the period.

Norfolk was called for four minor penalties in the final 20 minutes, including three in a span of just over two minutes. The penalties made it difficult for the Admirals to generate much offensively, leaving Delia and the penalty-killing unit with plenty of work to do.

Greensboro outshot Norfolk 12-5 in the third period, but Delia continued to come up with timely saves. The Admirals also finished the evening a perfect six-for-six on the penalty kill, keeping the Gargoyles from reclaiming the lead.

With neither team able to break the tie, the contest headed to overtime.

The Admirals didn't need much time to find their winner.

At the 2:36 mark of the extra frame, Osmundson found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season, sending the 4,011 fans inside Norfolk Scope into celebration. Young and Ryan Gagnon picked up assists on the game-winning goal.

Despite being outshot 32-20, the Admirals found a way to come out on top, snapping their four-game winless streak and securing their first home victory of the season.

With the win, Norfolk improves to 3-3-0-1 on the season as the Admirals look to build momentum heading into Saturday night's rematch.

SENTARA THREE STARS OF THE GAME

NOR – Brandon Osmundson (Overtime Game-Winning Goal)

NOR – Collin Delia (30 Saves on 32 Shots)

NOR – Michael Citara (First Professional Goal)

NEXT UP

The Admirals will return to Norfolk Scope on Saturday night for the second game of their three-game weekend series against the Greensboro Gargoyles. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.