SPHL Macon Mayhem

Preview: Mayhem vs. Knoxville Ice Bears (Game 11)

Published on November 17, 2018 under SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release


Mayhem Can Tie Longstanding Record Tonight

Last night was reminiscent- in many ways- of the Mayhem's 3-0 win against Pensacola back on October 27th. There was a slow start to the game, followed by a scoreless first period, joined by dominant Macon goaltending which allowed for a late game surge to pull ahead and secure victory. Though the Mayhem had the edge in play for most of the contest against Roanoke yesterday, the outcome certainly could have been different were it not for the brilliant 26-save shutout by Jordan Ruby.

With Ruby's shutout and the team's ninth straight win, the Mayhem have set themselves up for what could be an historic victory tonight. Should they defeat the Knoxville Ice Bears this evening, they will tie a franchise record with ten consecutive wins. In their four-season history, the only time they've managed this milestone was on November 26th, 2016, when they steamrolled the Columbus Cottonmouths to a 5-1 triumph. The Mayhem are the only team in the SPHL to have achieved this feat since January of 2016, when the Peoria Rivermen won 14 straight.

The Matchup

No team has fallen victim to Macon's colossal winning streak more than tonight's opponents, the Knoxville Ice Bears. Perhaps what's been most frustrating for them is that they've been right on the cusp of beating the Mayhem in virtually all three previous matchups this season, but have not even managed to take a point from them yet. Macon broke open a tight game for a 6-3 win in their first matchup, followed by a home-and-home which went the Mayhem's way last weekend. In Knoxville, the Mayhem trailed for a large chunk of the contest before a stroke of fortune caused a crucial turning point in the game, when a disallowed Knoxville goal was responded to by a Dakota Klecha tally just seconds later. No team has felt more swindled by the Mayhem than the Ice Bears this season, and no team would take greater pleasure in spoiling their winning streak on Macon ice.

Cameron Finds Scoring Touch

Macon's winning streak notwithstanding, one individual who may have been a tad frustrated with himself is Caleb Cameron. Cameron is a second-year Mayhem who had great expectations coming into the season, having scored at nearly a point-per-game pace in his rookie campaign last year. This season, he has been instrumental on the Mayhem's forecheck and has been critically responsible for their power play scoring streak, earning primary assists on all four of Jake Trask's power play goals. He had an assist streak which reached five games. But for all this, one element was missing: he had not scored a goal yet.

Cameron was held without a point on opening weekend and remained snake bitten for a good while afterward, despite playing an effective part in the Mayhem's success. However, he finally was able to exorcise his demons last night. As we've seen so often this season, once the monkey is off the back, the floodgates can open. They did just that yesterday, as Cameron managed to score not just once, but then again just 40 seconds into the third period to give the Mayhem an insurance lead. He will be a player worth watching tonight, as the one facet to his game that was lacking was resolved yesterday and he is likely feeling very self-assured heading into tonight's tilt.

College Football Night / Cancer Awareness Night

Today will be the Mayhem's last home game against Knoxville until March 29th, which is their last home game of the regular season. The theme is College Football Night, where fans are encouraged to wear the jerseys of their favorite college football players and teams. Next Saturday, November 24th, the Mayhem host the Birmingham Bulls on Cancer Awareness Night. Players will be sporting specialty, one-of-a-kind jerseys in support of cancer awareness. The jerseys will be sold at a live auction in the Macon Centreplex lobby immediately following the game, with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society.

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