Game Preview
Published on October 27, 2018 under SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Mayhem Secure Sole Possession of Second Place
Yesterday's tilt was between two sides tied for second in the SPHL with three points, with each squad knowing full well that a victory could mean first place the next day. Though Birmingham has retained their position atop the standings for now, the Mayhem made an enormous statement with yesterday's triumph over Knoxville.
The Ice Bears have a reputation as a team which knows how to come from behind, as they proved in their home opener by erasing a three-goal deficit to win 5-4 over Evansville. There were times last night when it seemed as though they could break the game open with a momentum swing, but the Mayhem repeatedly rose to the occasion and nipped Knoxville's momentum in the bud. Brandon Fehd's goal immediately following the long delay, Jordan Ruby's penalty shot save on the SPHL Player of the Week Lucas Bombardier, and a number of timely responses to Knoxville goals were all indicative signs that the Mayhem can execute at the most opportune moments in games and capitalize on crucial turning points.
The Matchup
Pensacola is the only team to have beaten the Mayhem in the early season, just as Macon is the only team the Ice Flyers have defeated. Without a doubt, there will be a chip on the shoulders of the Mayhem tonight, perhaps none more so than Gordon Defiel.
Defiel is the expected starter in net this evening for the Mayhem, as he is a former Ice Flyer and played extremely well in his debut last Saturday night against Fayetteville. He played in 22 games last season for Pensacola and pitched a .911 save percentage and a 2.61 goals against average while there. He also earned a solid 13-5-3 record and recorded a shutout against the Mississippi RiverKings in December. If there is one game for which he is almost certain to bring his A-game, it's tonight.
Bazevi?s to Debut
Newly acquired defenseman Kristaps Bazevi?s will be making his debut tonight for the Mayhem. The 24-year-old Latvian promises to introduce a new element to the Mayhem's defense corps as a hard-shooting, mobile skater who can generate scoring from the back end. Bazevi?s (6'1, 201) ranked sixth in scoring among all defensemen in the SPHL last season and led the Mississippi RiverKings' blue line with 30 points (5 G, 25 A) in 55 games. He will sport the #36 for the Mayhem.
First Responders Night / Nickelodeon Night
Tonight will be Nickelodeon Night, where Mayhem fans can re-live some of their favorite Nickelodeon shows and characters. SpongeBob Squarepants, Double Dare, Slime Time Live, and more will be referenced throughout the evening via theme songs and intermission games.
The Mayhem's next home game after tonight will be on Saturday, November 10th against Knoxville. Fans of all backgrounds and faiths are encouraged to enjoy a night of family-friendly fun. Houston Road Church will be having a pre-game concert in the lobby of the Centreplex. We encourage any and all congregations who are interested to set up a night of faith, family and fun with the Mayhem!
SPHL Stories from October 27, 2018
- Defiel Backstops Mayhem to Shutout against Former Squad - Macon Mayhem
- Ice Flyers Shutout 0-3 by the Mayhem - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Game Preview - Macon Mayhem
- Havoc Win Defensive Battle over Flyers - Huntsville Havoc
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