SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

'Kings Start Hot, But Fall to Fayetteville

Published on March 1, 2013 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS - The Mississippi RiverKings (18-23-7) took a three-goal lead in the first period, but ultimately fell to the Fayetteville FireAntz (28-16-3) 6-4 at the Landers Center in Southaven Friday night.

The RiverKings took a three-goal lead in the first four minutes of the game. Matt Harrington extended his point-scoring streak to nine-games just 1:53 into the first period to give the "˜Kings a 1-0 lead. Just 11 seconds later, Chris Campanale beat Marco Emond top shelf to give the RiverKings a two-goal lead. Ian Finnerty added to that lead 3:22 into the first period when he picked up a loose puck he put past a scrambling Emond, ending Emond's night after only three shots.

But Fayetteville would get on the board. Bobby Reed's shot beat David Wilson 7:22 into the first period. The 'Kings retook their three-goal lead when Kyle Lundale's shot on goal beat Kyle Rank to give the hometown team a 4-1 lead. But the scoring did not stop there. Fayetteville cut the 'Kings lead by one with 1:26 left to go in the game on a 5-on-3 power play opportunity thanks to a goal from Brandon Richardson.

Fayetteville cut the RiverKings lead to one-goal in the second period. Mike Kavanaugh, unassissted, beat WIlson at the 16:52 mark of the second period to make it a one-goal game. The RiverKings headed into the second intermission with a 4-3 lead over the FireAntz.

In the third period, Ben Contini tied the game at four when he beat Wilson high blocker side with 7:35 remaining in the game. Less than two minutes later, Josh McQuade's shot went just over the shoulder of Wilson to give the away-team a one-goal lead. Just one minute later, Contini picked up his second goal of the night to secure the FireAntz lead for the remainder of the game.

David Wilson (8-10-4) took the loss after stopping 35 of 41 shots against. Kyle Rank (8-7-2) picked up the win in relief of Marco Emond, as he stopped 27 of 28 shots in 56:38 minutes of play.

Tomorrow night, the Mississippi RiverKings will raise awareness for Pediatric Brain Cancer on "Pray for Ava Night" when the "˜Kings take on the Fayetteville FireAntz at 7:05 p.m. at the Lander's Center.There will be a $5 discount on every ticket price, with $3 of every ticket benefiting local pediatric brain cancer efforts, including the joint St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/Le Bonheur Children's Hospital pediatric brain tumor program at Le Bonheur.

For more information on all things RiverKings, "like" us on Facebook (facebook.com/mississippiriverkings) and "follow" us on Twitter (twitter.com/riverkings).

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SPHL Stories from March 1, 2013


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