Preview: Mayhem at Fayetteville Marksmen (Game 47)
March 8, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Explosive Third Period Carries Mayhem to Victory
By all accounts, the third period has been the strongest this season for the Mayhem. They have scored more third period goals than all but two teams in the SPHL, and have allowed fewer third period goals than all but one. On Saturday night, they had arguably their best period of play all season, netting four goals and transforming the game from a tight, defensive duel into an utter blowout within minutes.
The newly formed line of John Siemer, Jake Trask, and Josh Koepplinger has been nothing short of dominant since its inception. In last weekend's three-game home stand, the three of them combined for a total of 17 points (7G, 10A). Sliding onto a line with the Mayhem's two longest tenured players, the rising star Koepplinger has immediately flourished and has broken longstanding scoring records within days of arriving in Macon. This trio will not likely be separated any time soon, and will seek to continue its dominance on the road tonight.
The Matchup
Fayetteville returns home to close out a four-game stretch against Macon. Their hope is to return the favor, to defend their home ice and sweep Macon in regulation to make up for lost points in the playoff race. By defeating the Marksmen in regulation twice last weekend, the Mayhem gave themselves a five-point cushion over them in the standings. At the moment, Macon is tied with Knoxville for fourth, and Fayetteville is tied with Roanoke for sixth. All teams are playing tonight and tomorrow, suggesting the standings could look very different two days from now.
The Marksmen have made a number of upgrades in the short time since the Mayhem played them. Curry College standout Zach White is expected to make his pro debut tonight. The old friend and teammate of Jarret Kup's has had a tremendous senior year at Curry, scoring 39 points (23G, 16 A) in 26 games. Fayetteville has also received three of its players back from the ECHL, including forward Brian Bowen, defenseman Brandon McMartin, and goaltender Nathan Perry, who is the expected starter this weekend and has had a phenomenal season in net for the Marksmen. The Kingston, ON native has collected a 6-1-4 record, a 2.43 GAA and a .927 SV% over 13 games played.
Horwitz Debuts
Jesse Kallechy's squad is not the only one to have made additions over the last week. Leo Thomas has confirmed that Carter Horwitz will be in the lineup tonight for the Mayhem. The Endicott College product is also coming off a terrific senior year, leading all Gulls defensemen in scoring this season with 21 points (7G, 14A) and an impressive +17 rating through 27 games. He will likely be slated at right defense alongside Kup or Larry Smith. Horwitz promises to bring some more scoring upside to the Mayhem's defense-corps. Macon will also receive Dakota Klecha back from suspension, who will have a chip on his shoulder and may be interested in settling some old scores from last Friday night. As for trade deadline acquisition Danny Cesarz, the consensus is that he has not fully returned to health yet, and is likely a week away from making his Mayhem debut.
Military Appreciation Weekend
Military Appreciation Weekend is a week away. The specialty jerseys have been designed and will be shared on Mayhem social media next week. The Mayhem look forward to honoring all active and retired service men and women who have defended the United States of America. Admission is $10 for military personnel on both Friday, March 15th and Saturday, March 16th when the Mayhem host the Huntsville Havoc for the last time this season.
SPHL Stories from March 8, 2019
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- Preview: Mayhem at Fayetteville Marksmen (Game 47) - Macon Mayhem
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