BLACK BEARS’ LISKIEWICZ STOPS 31 SHOTS IN 4-1 WIN OVER COLUMBUS

BINGHAMTON – Thomas Aldworth scored twice and Owen Liskiewicz made 31 saves as the Binghamton Black Bears downed the Columbus River Dragons on Friday night, 4-1, in front of over 3,000 fans at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena.

Thomas Aldworth scored two goals in the first period to give Binghamton a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. The first goal came just 4:11 into the first period as Danny Vanderwiel sent the puck to Aldworth and he lifted a shot over the shoulder of goaltender Bailey MacBurnie. The goal was Aldworth’s 12th of the year with assists from Vanderwiel and Emil Strom.

The second goal of the period for Aldworth came as he moved to the top of the crease from the right side of the net and slid a backhand by the left leg pad of MacBurnie. The goal was Aldworth’s 13th of the year with assists from Emil Strom and Mathieu Boislard at 7:37 of the first period. Binghamton took the 2-0 lead into the intermission along with a 15-10 shot advantage.

Binghamton scored back-to-back power-play goals to take a 4-0 lead. Tyson Kirkby deflected a shot from the point that slid under the pads of MacBurnie and into the net. The goal was Kirkby’s fourth of the year from Kyle Powell and Tyler Gjurich at 8:29 of the second.

Gavin Yates added to the lead with a power-play goal as he lifted a rebound shot just under the crossbar for a 4-0 advantage. The goal was Yates’ 12th of the season with assists going to Nikita Ivashkin and Sam Turner and came at 10:29 and Binghamton took the four-goal lead into the third period. After Yates’ goal, Mike Cosentino replaced Bailey MacBurnie in net. 

Hunter Bersani scored just 27 seconds into the third period to get Columbus on the board. Bersani located his own rebound and tapped the puck by a sprawling Owen Liskiewicz in net. The goal was Bersani’s 16th goal of the year with the lone assist going to Matt White and Binghamton’s lead was 4-1.

Owen Liskiewicz stopped 31 of 32 shots in the win.

The Black Bears are back home Friday, April 8 against Danbury at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now at www.binghamtonblackbears.com/tickets. 

Playoff hockey is returning to Binghamton! Secure your seats and get a merchandise gift card. Season ticket holders will also receive a special playoff gift as well. For more information, Black Bears fans can visit https://www.binghamtonblackbears.com/playoffs.

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, and Instagram.