GLENS FALLS, NY – The Norfolk Admirals returned to Harding Mazzotti Arena on Saturday night for the second game of their three-game weekend series against the Adirondack Thunder. Despite a milestone moment for Brett Pfoh, who scored his first professional goal, Norfolk couldn't overcome a five-goal second period from Adirondack, falling 8-1 in front of 5,002 fans.

Goaltender Matt Vernon made the start for the Admirals, finishing the night with 27 saves on 35 shots faced. Pfoh scored Norfolk's lone goal, while Justin Young picked up an assist.

Norfolk came out with a stronger start than the night before, generating several early chances and putting pressure on Adirondack goaltender Sergei Eisele.

The Admirals had multiple opportunities on the power play but couldn't find a way to break through. Adirondack eventually opened the scoring at 15:28 when Jeremy Hanzel scored his fourth goal of the season to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead.

Despite trailing after the opening 20 minutes, Norfolk held an 11-9 advantage in shots on goal and remained within striking distance heading into the first intermission.

The second period proved to be a difficult one for the Admirals as Adirondack began to take control of the game.

At the 8:12 mark, Jace Isley scored his second goal of the season to extend the Thunder's lead to 2-0.

Norfolk answered just over two minutes later with a memorable moment for Pfoh.

At 10:31, Pfoh broke free on a breakaway and beat Eisele for his first professional goal, cutting Adirondack's advantage to 2-1. Young earned the assist on the play as the Admirals found themselves back within one.

However, the Thunder responded quickly, scoring three goals in just over a minute and a half to take control of the contest.

At 11:58, Grant Loven scored his first goal of the season to restore Adirondack's two-goal advantage. Just 25 seconds later, Shane Harper added another to make it 4-1.

Loven struck again at 13:31, scoring his second goal of the night and extending the Thunder's lead to 5-1.

The intensity picked up later in the period when Ethan Strang and Adirondack's Dowler dropped the gloves at 15:44, with both players receiving five-minute fighting majors.

With less than a minute remaining in the frame, Adirondack added another goal when Brannon McManus found the back of the net at 19:03, giving the Thunder a 6-1 advantage heading into the second intermission.

It was a tough middle period for Norfolk, which allowed five goals despite generating nine shots of its own. Adirondack held a 26-20 advantage in shots through 40 minutes.

The Admirals entered the third period looking for offense, but the Thunder kept adding to their lead.

At 3:38, Ty Edwards scored shorthanded to make it 7-1. Adirondack followed with another special-teams goal at 9:41 when Charles-Antoine Tellier scored on the power play, extending the lead to 8-1.

The physicality continued later in the period when Kristóf Papp and Dowler dropped the gloves at 14:01. Both players received fighting majors, with Dowler also assessed a game misconduct.

Norfolk continued looking for opportunities to get back on the scoreboard, but Eisele kept the Admirals from adding another goal, finishing the evening with 25 saves.

The Admirals finished the night with 26 shots on goal compared to Adirondack's 35. Special teams were another area of frustration for Norfolk, which went 0-for-11 on the power play, while the Thunder finished 1-for-5.

With the loss, Norfolk falls to 5-8-0-1 on the season. The Admirals will have one more opportunity to get back in the win column before returning home, as the weekend series concludes Sunday afternoon.

SENTARA THREE STARS OF THE GAME

ADK – Grant Loven (2 Goals, 1 Assist)

ADK – Jace Isley (1 Goal, 1 Assist)

ADK – Brannon McManus (1 Goal, 3 Assists)

NEXT UP

The Admirals will wrap up their three-game weekend series against the Adirondack Thunder on Sunday afternoon at Harding Mazzotti Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. as Norfolk looks to finish its road trip on a positive note.