Preview: Mayhem at Huntsville Havoc (Game 9)
November 11, 2018 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Soper Makes Statement in Return to Macon
Jimmy Soper made an enormous impact in the Mayhem's victory over Knoxville last night. It was his first home game of the 2018-19 season and he was dead-set on returning to Macon with aplomb. Bringing him back into the fold was a major win for Leo Thomas, and Soper proved why that was the case yesterday.
He opened the scoring by crashing the net and smashing a rebound past Hayden Stewart early in the first period, and he made a great defensive play in the neutral zone which led to Justin Levac's power play goal. Soper's three-point performance would be his first multi-point game with the Mayhem, which gave him first star of the game honors and propelled the Mayhem to a home-and-home series sweep over the Ice Bears. His linemates, Caleb Cameron and Sam Wilbur, also seem to be flourishing more now that they are playing in their more customary roles on the wings. All in all, the 23-year-old's return has made the Mayhem an even deeper and more balanced team than they were before.
The Matchup
Tonight poses an extremely interesting challenge. It will mark the first time this season that the Mayhem face a squad near the top of the SPHL standings. While their opponents up to this point in the season have been worthy adversaries, none of them boast quite the same pedigree of success the Huntsville Havoc have had over the last couple of years. Huntsville is coming off a President's Cup Championship season and were the team which eliminated Macon in the playoffs last year. They've gotten off to another solid start this season, sitting at fourth in the SPHL with a 4-1-1 record. The Mayhem only managed a subpar record of 1-3-0 against Huntsville last season, and they are heading into the wolf's den with tonight being the end of Huntsville's home-opening weekend. The Mayhem have won seven in a row, but tonight will be their greatest challenge yet.
Captains Each Displaying Unique Leadership Qualities
Jake Trask has been on an almost inhuman tear of late. While he managed to keep his point streak alive last night with an assist against Knoxville, his goal streak of epic proportions finally came to an end. His six-game goal-scoring streak, the longest in franchise history, worked wonders for the Mayhem. It helped propel them to what's become a seven-game winning streak, it brought their power play to life, and it helped build confidence to himself and to the teammates who were assisting him.
Trask's offensive surge was his own display of leadership, while his fellow alternate captains John Siemer and Stathis Soumelidis have expressed theirs in more physical ways. Siemer has been a cornerstone of the Mayhem's most proficient line this season and has produced in both the scoring and fighting departments. As for Soumelidis, he has now dropped the gloves in back-to-back games, which is the first time in his Mayhem career he's done that. The Mayhem leaders are coming to the forefront and demonstrating leadership in their own ways, and their teammates are following their lead.
College Football Night
Next Saturday, the Mayhem will have a rematch against Knoxville on College Football Night, when fans will be encouraged to wear the jerseys of their favorite college football players and teams! Tickets can be purchased online via Ticketmaster, or by visiting the Macon Centreplex Box Office at 200 Coliseum Drive. For group tickets, call the Mayhem front office at (478) 803-1592.
SPHL Stories from November 11, 2018
- Havoc Comeback Falls Short against Macon 3-2 - Huntsville Havoc
- Mayhem Oust Defending Champs, Win Eighth Straight - Macon Mayhem
- McCormick Scores with 0.2 Left in OT, Marksmen Take 3 Points in Peoria - Fayetteville Marksmen
- Preview: Mayhem at Huntsville Havoc (Game 9) - Macon Mayhem
- Havoc Drop OT Game on the Road 4-3 - Huntsville Havoc
- Rivermen Drop Wild Overtime Rematch Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
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