BINGHAMTON OUTLASTS DELAWARE ON STAR WARS NIGHT

BINGHAMTON- The Binghamton Black Bears defeated the Delaware Thunder for the seventh time this season 8-6 in a high scoring affair.  Binghamton picks up three more points with the regulation victory keeping pace with Danbury for the top spot in the standings.  

Unlike last night, there was plenty of scoring in the first period.  Delaware jumped out to a 2-0 lead quickly, leaving the fans stunned as some of them were still making there way to their seats.  Tyler Gjurich would put the Black Bears on board with a breakaway goal, which would be followed up by Josh Newberg, tying the game at 2-2.  Momentum had swung back in favor of the home team and they capitalized on it. Tyson Kirkby had an amazing backhand shot that he roofed giving the Black Bears their first lead of the game.  

Delaware did not let the party last long, as they would tie the game at 3-3 with another power play goal, their second of the night.  All square at 3-3 after the 1st period.  

The Black Bears faced adversirty in the second period, the benched was shortend and Gjurich was injured and did not return.  Down one of their best forwards, Binghamton still found a way to produce offense in the form of Nikita Ivashkin and Mac Lewis.  Ivashkin would score two even-strength goals, and Lewis added his fifth of the year to scoreboard.  Black Bears score three goals for the second straight period, whereas Delaware only managed to put one in the back of the net.  Black Bears led 6-4 after two periods. 

Delaware was first on the board in the third making it a one-goal contest again.  But then, the play of the game just a few minutes later.  Chad Lopez danced around a defender, and out-waited the goaltender to backhand the seventh and the game winning goal.  Black Bears would add one more from Kirkby and skate away victors on their first Star Wars Night in franchise history.  

Binghamton remains in second place in the Empire Division.  They will travel to Port Huron this weekend for a two-game road trip.  Binghamton continues to improve their attendance numbers with over 4500 fans for Saturday night’s contest, leading the FPHL.

Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.binghamtonblackbears.com, by calling 607-722-7367, or visiting the front office on the third floor of the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. Follow the Black Bears all year long on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok @BlackBearsFPHL.