Preview: Mayhem vs. Fayetteville Marksmen (Game 46)
March 2, 2019 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Mayhem Remain Tied for Fourth Place
Last night's tilt was critical for the Mayhem for more reasons than one. Not only did they have a three-game losing skid that needed snapping, but they had been sitting a mere point ahead of the Fayetteville Marksmen in the SPHL standings. A win in regulation was exactly what they wanted, and though the road to getting there was anything but pretty, they managed to pull it off.
Fayetteville did a phenomenal job throughout the evening of avoiding trailing for long. Twice, they erased a one-goal deficit within seconds of falling behind. Jake Hauswirth netted a goal within 28 seconds and later within 19 seconds of the Mayhem taking a lead. Finally, after Josh Koepplinger's second strike, Macon hunkered down and protected their advantage. Tanner Creel earned his first win with the Mayhem, stopping 37 of Fayetteville's 40 shots.
The Matchup
The Knoxville Ice Bears beat the Peoria Rivermen on the road in overtime last night, holding their position as being tied with the Mayhem for fourth place in the SPHL. The fourth playoff spot in the standings is a highly coveted position, as it is the final spot which grants home ice advantage in the first round of the postseason. The Fayetteville Marksmen are still very much in contention for this spot, and given the regulation defeat last night, expect them to be even more motivated to snap the Macon curse.
A brawl transpired immediately after the game ended yesterday. This capped off a night already filled with two fights, multiple scraps, and the highest penalty minute total from a single game all season (96). Macon and Fayetteville had not faced one another since December 28th of 2018. Normally, when two sides go for months without facing each other, the game is nowhere near as hostile as it was yesterday. Last night was the first of a four-game stretch between this pair of bitter rivals. With a large crowd expected for tonight, expect the tensions to run even higher in game two.
Suspensions Handed Down
Yesterday's post-game donnybrook led to multiple suspensions handed down by the SPHL which have affected both sides. Macon's Dakota Klecha and Alexander Taulien have been suspended for tonight's game, leaving the Mayhem with just nine forwards at their disposal. Without two natural right-wingers, Seth Ronsberg and Vinny Caligiuri will see increased ice time as right-handed shooters who have proven to be very adaptable and capable of playing with any linemates. As for the Marksmen, their top goaltender Dillon Kelley has also been suspended, leaving the net-minding duties solely in the hands of fresh-faced 24-year-old Jake Moore. Moore has never played a professional game in his career, but he has had an outstanding senior year at SUNY-Brockport (NCAA DIII) this season. He has pitched a .925 save percentage and a 1.93 goals against average over 16 games played.
Pucks N Paws Night
Tonight's game is 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; last minute registration is still available. Click here to register your wiener dog for the races!
SPHL Stories from March 2, 2019
- Huntsville Drops OT Heartbreaker to Pensacola 4-3 - Huntsville Havoc
- Murray Stands Tall in Loss to Bulls - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Rivermen Shut out by Ice Bears Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- Rail Yard Dawgs Come up Short against Quad City, 6-3 - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Koepplinger Makes History as Mayhem Sweep Marksmen - Macon Mayhem
- Bulls Dismantle Evansville 10-1 at Home - Birmingham Bulls
- Rail Yard Dawgs Game Notes: Rail Yard Dawgs (22-19-4) at Storm (13-26-4) - 7:10 PM CST - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Preview: Mayhem vs. Fayetteville Marksmen (Game 46) - Macon Mayhem
- Havoc Outlast the Bulls 5-3 - Huntsville Havoc
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