Preview: Mayhem at Huntsville Havoc (Game 42)
February 22, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Mayhem Snap Longest Winless Drought in Franchise History
Last night was described by Leo Thomas as a must-win game, and the Mayhem played it accordingly. In the midst of an eight-game winless skid, hosting the last-place team in the SPHL for the first and only time this season, the Mayhem had no choice but to take advantage of the opportunity and secure two points in the standings.
Macon's leadership core came to the forefront and paved the way for a Mayhem victory. Veterans Jake Trask and John Siemer scored in the first period, with Trask coming a goal away from a natural hat trick. Dakota Klecha scored his first goal since sustaining a wrist injury halfway through regulation, and added a highlight-reel strike in the third period to put the game out of reach. Seth Ronsberg scored on a deflection and fought with Evansville heavyweight Nick Wright. In the dire straits the team was in, Macon needed its leadership group to step up in an enormous way last night, and they did just that.
The Matchup
Against the Huntsville Havoc this season, the Mayhem have mustered a respectable 2-1-0 record and have outscored them 11-8. The defending champs have struggled of late, going just 1-3-1 over their last five games. They have not been able to utilize Macon's recent struggles to substantially build upon their lead over the Mayhem in the standings. Currently, the Havoc sit just three points ahead of the Mayhem for third place in the SPHL, a position which could potentially change after this weekend.
One common denominator in every matchup against Huntsville this season has been the multitude of power plays afforded to the Havoc. Over the course of just three games, the Mayhem have gone to the penalty kill 20 times, fighting off 17 opportunities. By comparison, they've had just 13 power plays. With a number of ill-disciplined penalties plaguing Macon last night, staying out of the penalty box will be a critical key to the game this evening.
Kleching Up to Speed
Dakota Klecha had been held off the scoresheet since returning from his wrist injury back on February 8th. He was producing at a tremendous rate before going down on December 8th, and it took him some time to find his groove again after returning to health. Last night, he clearly demonstrated that he has made a full recovery, putting his blazing speed and deft puck control on display. Both goals he scored could be directly attributed to his speed and his willingness to drive to the front of the net. If Klecha can continue to generate such an impactful presence on the ice as he did last night, the Mayhem will be all the more closer to returning to prime form.
Upcoming Home Games
Next Thursday night's game will be College Night, presented by Ann Parman Law Firm. General tickets are only $10, and $8 with a college ID. College groups interested in attending can also purchase our group outing package for just $10/ticket, which includes free Mayhem baseball caps and an experience upgrade.
The Mayhem will host the Fayetteville Marksmen next Friday and Saturday. Friday will be Princess Night and Saturday will be Pucks N Paws Night. Click here to register your wiener dog for the races!
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- Preview: Mayhem at Huntsville Havoc (Game 42) - Macon Mayhem
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