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RiverHawks Fall to FireAntz

November 2, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Augusta RiverHawks News Release


Augusta, GA--The Augusta RiverHawks enjoyed a record crowd in their home opening game, but had the big night spoiled by the Fayetteville FireAntz, as the visitors took a 4-1 decision. Just under 5,000 fans witnessed the RiverHawks get down early to a FireAntz team that looks nothing like the one that finished last in the Southern Professional Hockey League a season ago.

The loss drops the RiverHawks' record to 0-3 on the season, while the FireAntz have trotted out to 2-0, winning both by the same score.

The FireAntz were the beneficiary of an extremely early power play on a questionable holding call on RiverHawks' Assistant Captain Jason Price. The result of the ensuing man-advantage was a FireAntz' goal just 36-seconds into the game from Derek Elliott who was left completely alone in the slot by the RiverHawks' penalty kill.

Just under two minutes later Elliott was once again the beneficiary of a hole in the RiverHawks defense and a fine cross-slot pass form a teammate, as he buried his second of the game, giving Fayetteville a 2-0 lead before many RiverHawks fans found their seats.

The FireAntz were unable to keep up the torrid pace, as the RiverHawks gradually took over the play during the remainder of the first period, but were unable to beat FireAntz' goaltender Marco Emond. Emond was the game's third star, making 20 saves.

It took over 12 minutes of strong play from the RiverHawks in the second period to finally break through, but they did when Jason Price found a bouncing puck at the side of the net and hammered it in. The play was set up by a determined effort out of the corner by Captain Matt Auffrey, and a well-placed shot from forward Chad Ziegler.

The RiverHawks' momentum was snuffed out almost immediately, however, as the FireAntz replied seconds later. Brandon Richardson took a pass from the corner and fired a quick shot that eluded RiverHawks goaltender Robby Moss to restore the FireAntz' two-goal lead. Then just over a minute later, the FireAntz further cemented their hold on the game, as Elliott scored his third of the game, batting the puck out of mid-air while driving hard to the net and beating Moss.

The RiverHawks would be unable to mount a comeback in the third period, but they did not go quietly into the night either. The two teams engaged in fisticuffs three times before the end of the game, as Auffrey, defenseman Curtis Megginson, and forward Taylor McReynolds each dropped the gloves.

The RiverHawks are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, November 3,on the Phoenix HVCR Ice at the James Brown Arena as the Knoxville Ice Bears travel to Augusta. The game will begin at 7:35PM. It is Ladies' Night, and a Bachelor Auction of the RiverHawks players will take place immediately following the game. Much of the proceeds from the auction as well as $2 from every ticket purchased at the door will go to Safe Homes of Augusta. Season tickets and Flex Packs are still available. Additional information on the Team, tickets, and schedule can be found on the RiverHawks' home on the web, www.augustariverhawks.com, or by calling 706-993-2645.



SPHL Stories from November 2, 2012


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