Preview: Mayhem at Huntsville Havoc (Game 43)
February 23, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Fatigue a Factor in Loss to Huntsville
One of the many adversities a team can face when playing a road game is "bus legs." Normally on road trips, the visitors do not need to travel and play on the same night. Yesterday, however, that was necessary as the Mayhem had hosted the Evansville Thunderbolts the night before. Facing a well-rested Huntsville squad in hostile territory proved to be too much, as the Havoc jolted to an early 3-0 lead and took advantage of Macon's fatigue.
To the Mayhem's credit, they did not buckle after falling behind by a daunting deficit in the first period. Jake Trask scored twice to bring the Mayhem within striking distance, both of which were a result of him and his teammates outworking and outhustling the opposition. However, the longer the game wore on, the more winded the Mayhem appeared. Eventually, Huntsville had built up an insurmountable deficit and took the game 6-3.
The Matchup
Tonight, Huntsville's advantage will be greatly diminished as both sides will be coming off the back of a game. Still, from Macon's point of view, having three outings in three nights will not be easy, and next week they will be challenged with the same thing. Keeping shifts short and making simple plays will be paramount for the Mayhem, who will undoubtedly have a number of tired, banged-up bodies working overtime this evening. Defensively, the team will need to nullify the high number of breakaways and odd-man rushes they yielded yesterday, and will have to be more diligent on defensive zone faceoffs, which directly resulted in two Huntsville goals yesterday. Otherwise, the Mayhem created plenty to build off of in last night's tilt. They produced a potent offensive game, generating the fourth-highest shot count (38) they've done on the road all season.
Friendly Competition
Jake Trask and Ryan Salkeld were both a key part of Macon's roster last season, but Salkeld was traded to the Mississippi Riverkings in exchange for Mike Moroso in early February. He has since found a home in Huntsville and has had a career season, leading the SPHL in goals with 20 on the campaign. Last night, however, Trask tied his former teammate with his third and fourth goals of the week, leveling him with Salkeld for the league-lead. The two of them will be going head-to-head again tonight, as this old friendship-turned-rivalry promises to serve as a classic game within the game. Salkeld also has a close relationship with expected starter Ian Sylves, who played college hockey with him at Buffalo State.
Upcoming Home Games
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! For ticket information, click here.
SPHL Stories from February 23, 2019
- Rivermen Top Dawgs in Overtime Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- Evan Schultz Scores First Goal as Bolt in Loss to Storm - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Caffrey Stars But Dawgs Fall in OT, 4-3 - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Siemer Assists Twice in Narrow Defeat to Huntsville - Macon Mayhem
- Bulls Split Weekend with Knoxville - Birmingham Bulls
- Preview: Mayhem at Huntsville Havoc (Game 43) - Macon Mayhem
- Rail Yard Dawgs Game Notes: Rail Yard Dawgs (20-18-3) at Rivermen (32-4-5) - 7:15 PM CST - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Rivermen Sign McPherson to Amateur Tryout Contract - Peoria Rivermen
- Havoc Double up Mayhem 6-3 - Huntsville Havoc
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