The Aviators continued their winning streak on Friday by scalping the Akwesasne Warriors — the team that stole the cherished Commissioner’s Cup from Brooklyn last year — at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Floyd Bennett Field, beating their arch rivals 8–3.
Friday’s victory extends Brooklyn’s winning streak to five. The Aviators bested the top-ranked 1,000 Island Privateers 5–2 on Thursday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Maine, a match known lovingly to Federal Hockey League fans as “the Maine Event.”
Both victories had a common thread: Brooklyn scored early and often, jumping to a 3–0 lead in the first period against Akwesasne. Aviators Center Lucas Schott found the back of the Warrior’s net pretty easily in the first set, knocking in bookend goals as the Aviators capitalized on multiple power-plays.
The Warriors managed to slip two pucks by Brooklyn netminder Jo St. Pierre in the second period, but they still couldn’t slow the Aviators’ advance as Brooklyn’s boys of winter netted three more goals before the middle frame came to a close.
It was fun to watch Brooklyn win, but the real treat came from watching the Aviators whip the Warriors into a frenzy. Eight Akwesasne flyers were boxed for more than 100 minutes — longer than the game actually lasted — for a variety of infractions that culminated in two knock-down brawls in the last period.
Thursday’s game against the 1,000 Island Privateers wasn’t as violent, but it was pretty aggressive: Brooklyn again laid the foundation for their victory early, scoring two goals in the first period.
The remaining three goals trickled in over the next two sets, with right winger Brendan Baumgartner sinking in the game’s final puck.
The Aviators haven’t lost a game since Jan. 15, when they beat the Danville Dashers at home.
And their victories are finally bearing fruit: after defeating three of the Federal Hockey League’s top-ranked teams over the last week, Brooklyn’s moved up in the standings, from fifth place to third.
The Brooklyn Aviators will return to the Aviator Sports and Events Center [3159 Flatbush Ave. in Floyd Bennett Field in Marine Park, (718) 758-7580] on Feb. 3 to take on the Danbury Whalers. Tickets are $12 ($10 for seniors and children under 14) For more info, visit www.BrooklynAviators.com.
