Mayhem Hang on for 4-2 Victory after Taking Three-Goal Lead
March 1, 2018 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Macon Mayhem celebrate a goal
(Macon Mayhem)
MACON, GA- The Macon Mayhem jumped out to a three-goal lead over the Knoxville Ice Bears in the second period on Thursday, and the team battled hard to secure the 4-2 victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mayhem came out on fire in the first period, as they outscored Knoxville 2-0 and outshot them 14-3 in the opening frame. Caleb Cameron scored the first goal of the game at the 4:35 mark of the period, as he corralled the rebound and jammed it home. Jake Trask and Dakota Klecha created the original play and received the assists. It looked as if the Mayhem took a 2-0 lead about halfway through the period, but Dennis Sicard's goal was waived off due to a high-stick. With 11.5 seconds left in the first period, Mayhem newcomer Dakota Klecha weaved through the neutral zone, blew past the defenseman, and slid the puck past the goaltender to put Macon up 2-0 going into the intermission.
It looked like the Mayhem would run away with the game after Jake Trask scored the opening goal of the second period, but Knoxville responded with a pair of goals. Dean Yakura picked the puck off of Daniel Gentzler's skates and scored short-handed to make it a 3-1 game. Danny Cesarz then scored a beautiful top shelf goal to cut the lead to one going into the second intermission.
Macon sealed the victory with a great third-period goal from Dylan Denomme. Jimmy Soper played a pass forward to John Siemer, who toe-dragged to the backhand and sent a backdoor pass to Denomme. He tapped it past the goaltender and gave the Mayhem a two-goal advantage. That lead would hold, as Macon picked up their 25th victory of the season.
NOTABLE STATS
Charlie Finn started his sixth consecutive game, which is the longest such streak for the Mayhem this season. He picked up his 14th win of the season and is tied for third among SPHL goaltenders in wins. He only faced 18 shots in the game, making 16 saves. The 18 shots the Mayhem allowed in the game was a Mayhem season-low for shots allowed in a game.
Dakota Klecha and Jake Trask led the Mayhem with one goal and one assist apiece in the game. Klecha's goal was his first goal in a Mayhem uniform and his fifth point in his fourth game. Dylan Denomme scored a goal and stayed hot, as he now has six goals and 11 points since the start of February, and with an assist, Brandon Pfeil now has fourteen points and is plus-19 in his last 13 games.
KERR'S COMMENTS
"I thought we played really well tonight, especially offensively. We did a great job controlling the puck and the pace of the play in the game. We let off a little bit after taking the three-goal lead, but we kept battling hard to get the much-needed win."
STARS OF THE GAME
1. Jake Trask (One goal - including game-winning goal, one assist, two points)
2. Dakota Klecha (One goal, one assist, two points)
3. Dylan Denomme (One goal, fight)
SEASON UPDATE
Macon Mayhem: 25-13-5 (55 points; 3rd Place)
Knoxville Ice Bears: 23-16-4 (50 points; 5th Place)
BACK IN ACTION
The Mayhem hit the road once again, as they travel to the Rocket City to take on the Huntsville Havoc on Saturday. They will be back at home on Friday, March 9th and Saturday, March 10th for Military Appreciation Weekend presented by Kellstrom Defense.
Single game tickets are on sale through the Macon Coliseum Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. For information on group tickets and ticket plans, visit MaconMayhem.com or call the Mayhem Front Office at (478) 803-1592.
Images from this story
 Macon Mayhem celebrate a goal |
SPHL Stories from March 1, 2018
- Mayhem Hang on for 4-2 Victory after Taking Three-Goal Lead - Macon Mayhem
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- Mayhem Game Notes: Mayhem vs. Knoxville Ice Bears - Macon Mayhem
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