The Lockport Express press the New York Aviators during the second period. New York went on to win in overtime. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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A Daniel Backstrom goal 1:07 into overtime secured a New York Aviators victory over host Lockport Express this afternoon in Cornerstone CFCU Arena.

George Root, center, was back in the broadcast booth for East Niagara Radio. To his left is Craig Bacon, while Howie Balaban stands to his right.

Lockport had the early lead on a Ryan Logar Goal at 12:13 of the first period. Christopher Gasiewicz and Kurt Villani assisted. Late in the period, however, Jimmy Warrick tied it for New York, assisted by Dominick Sacco at 19:20.

It was Warrick again at 216 of the second period, assisted by Sacco and Eric Hewitt. Backstrom notched his first of the game at 10:02, assisted by Hewitt and Sacco. Gasiewicz pulled Lockport to within one at 15:11, assisted by Erick Santiago -- then tied it at 17:36, assisted by Ryan Logar and Frank Vecchio Jr.

New York re-took the lead at 3:16 with a Sacco goal, assisted by Warrick and Backstrom. Ryan Logar then re-tied it for Lockport at 11:13, assisted by Josh Evoy and Devin Kasperek.

The Backstrom goal in overtime gave New York the victory.

New York had 21 minutes in penalties during the game, while Lockport served none. Lockport netminder Sam Fitzpatrick stopped 29 of 34 shots on the day.

Lockport took three of a possible eight points over the weekend and end it tied with the Syracuse Stampede for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

RELATED LINKS: 

• PODCAST: Lockport Express vs. New York Aviators 013116
• Photo album from the game

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