SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

Offense Comes to Life in 5-3 Win over Havoc

Published on November 2, 2014 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss. -- The Mississippi RiverKings struck for three goals in the second period and finished with a season-high five as they beat the Huntsville Havoc, 5-3, Sunday at the Landers Center.

The Havoc scored first as Jacob Johnstone beat Peter Di Salvo with 7:30 to play in the first period. Mike Gurtler fed one in front and after bouncing off a few skates, Johnstone spun the puck under the pads of Di Salvo. The RiverKings, as they would all game, responded quickly with Leo Thomas deflecting a pass from Matt Harrington past Jesse Kallechy to tie the game. Dylan Quaile picked up the secondary assist on the RiverKings' first power-play goal of the season.

With the score tied at one in the second period, Mike Hayward backhanded a rebound into an open net for his first goal of the season, giving the RiverKings a 2-1 lead just 2:32 into the period. Stuart Stefan came right back for the Havoc to tie the game at two, finishing a tic-tac-toe pass play with a quick shot from the left circle just 36 second later.

Once again the RiverKings had an answer. Bryon Paulazzo worked the puck behind the goal line, then threw one in front, which nearly banked in off Kallechy. With the puck rolling towards the open goal, Devin Mantha raced in to nudge it over the line to put the RiverKings back up 3-2, with Paulazzo and Randazzo collecting assists. Later in the second the RiverKings had a three-on-one and Cody Dion passed to Quaile, who returned it to Dion. He fired one under the crossbar for his first goal with the RiverKings and a 4-2 Mississippi lead with 5:22 to play in the second.

Huntsville came out of the dressing room with high energy in the third, and quickly cut the lead to one with Nick Lazorko smacking in a rebound 44 seconds into the period. However, the RiverKings would immediately respond, with Dion ripping a shot past Kallechy for his second of the game and a 5-3 lead. Quaile picked up his third assist.

Both teams ended the night with 38 shots on goal and RiverKings goaltender Peter Di Salvo stopped 35 shots for his first win with the RiverKings.

Notes: Bryon Paulazzo's second period assist was his first professional point... Dylan Quaile (3a) and Cody Dion (2g, 1a) had three points, the first multi-point games of the season for the RiverKings... The RiverKings entered the game with just four goals scored in three games and more than doubled their season output with five tonight... Tonight's MVP Non-Profit of the Game was the Friends of Horn Lake Parks and Recreation.

The RiverKings are back home Nov. 14 at 7:05 p.m. against the Columbus Cottonmouths as the RiverKings celebrate 80's Night. Tickets can be purchased through the Landers Center Box Office or at riverkings.com/ticketmaster. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted tickets and should call the RiverKings front office at 662-342-1755.

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