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SPHL Macon Mayhem

Preview: Mayhem vs. Fayetteville Marksmen (Game 45)

March 1, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release


Parks Steals the Show Again

Yesterday was a frustrating example of the Mayhem doing nearly everything right and still coming up short in the final outcome due to stellar play from the opposing goaltender. Macon scored the first goal, outshot Birmingham by 10, remained well-disciplined for virtually the entire game, and were perfect on the penalty kill. As has been the case several times this season, Birmingham goaltender Mavric Parks almost singlehandedly secured victory for his team. He denied 36 of a possible 37 shots.

Still, many positive signs were evident last night. Macon's strong team play aside, the newest addition to the organization Josh Koepplinger scored a goal in his professional debut. He put his shot power and accuracy on display late on Macon's first power play of the night, ripping the puck over Parks' arm from the right circle to score the Mayhem's only goal of the tilt. He also logged ice time on the penalty kill and was partially responsible for Macon's 3-for-3 result. Koepplinger was undoubtedly a bright spot yesterday and promises to be a key component of the team in the future.

The Matchup

This weekend's tilts will feature two teams tightly jostling for playoff seeding. The implications of the series results are critical, as the Mayhem sit a mere point ahead of Fayetteville for fifth place in the SPHL. The Marksmen have been struggling of late, having dropped five of their last six games. However, all of those outings were decided by a single goal, and four of them have gone to extra time. Tonight's game will be won in the trenches, and for Jesse Kallechy's squad, there is far more than just two points at stake tonight. Fayetteville has not won a game in Macon since they were the Fireantz on February 18th, 2017. Since then, they have dropped eight consecutive decisions at the Macon Centreplex. With deep playoff implications on the line, expect the Marksmen to do all they can to lift the curse and snap their losing skid in Macon.

Soper Returns

The Mayhem's youngest forward Jimmy Soper (23) is expected to make his long-anticipated return to action tonight after having missed the last 14 games with an upper-body injury. The Waterloo, Ontario native had scored 15 points (6G, 9A, +4) through 24 games played for the Mayhem this season and has been a key faceoff man and two-way forward. His physical prowess has been missed greatly by the Mayhem. The 6'2, 200 pound center has brought a hard-nosed, hard-hitting, gritty style to the ice on a regular basis, and his return is likely to spark the Mayhem and energize their offense this weekend.

Princess Night / Pucks N Paws

Tonight's game is Princess Night. Princesses and pageant queens can be found roaming the Centreplex lobby and the arena. There will be a princess costume contest late in the second period, as well as princess trivia during the media timeouts.

Tomorrow will be Pucks N Paws Night presented by Noah's Ark Pets & Grooming as the Mayhem close their home stand against the Fayetteville Marksmen. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the arena for a night of family-friendly fun. There will be a wiener dog race during the first intermission; registration is still available. Click here to register your wiener dog for the races!

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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