SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

Comeback Falls Short, RiverKings Downed 2-1

Published on December 31, 2017 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss. - Tyler Green made 26 saves, and Devin Mantha scored his eighth goal of the season, but the RiverKings can't mount the complete comeback at Planters Bank Ice at Landers Center as they fall to Pensacola.

The first two periods would remain scoreless, though not without action, as the middle frame saw fisticuffs between the RiverKings Brantley Sherwood and Pensacola's Anthony Calabrese. Shortly after, Jake Schultz and Ice Flyer Patrick Harrison decided to join in on the action with a battle of their own. Despite the momentum, the RiverKings couldn't crack rookie goaltender and SPHL Warrior Player of the Week, Gordon Defiel.

The third period would drip down to almost halfway before anyone broke the ice, and unfortunately for the RiverKings, it was Pensacola who struck first. Trever Hertz set up in the high slot, just below the blue line and ripped a snapshot over the glove hand of Tyler Green for the game's first goal.

The RiverKings would get a break with a Pensacola penalty but slipped up allowing a shorthanded goal to Stephen Hrehoriak who had a mini-breakaway and was able to best Tyler Green and get Pensacola the 2-0 lead.

The RiverKings would battle back just a little over three minutes later when team Captain Devin Mantha netted his eighth goal of the season, and his third power-play goal against Pensacola this season. Nearing the end of the third it got frantic and looked as though the RiverKings might complete the comeback with another power-play goal, but Defiel stood his ground, and the Ice Flyers escaped Southaven with the win.

About the Mississippi RiverKings

The RiverKings are supported by our community partners, season ticket holders, fans, and grants from Maddox Foundation, an independent private foundation based in Hernando, Miss. To find out more about the RiverKings, call 662-342-1755 or visit RiverKings.com.

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