Soper Leads Mayhem to Seventh Straight Win
Published on November 10, 2018 under SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Mayhem News Release
Macon Mayhem vs. the Knoxville Ice Bears
(Macon Mayhem)
MACON, GA- - In front of a raucous crowd on Faith & Family night, the Mayhem jumped out to a strong start and skated to a 4-2 victory, sweeping the Knoxville Ice Bears in the home-and-home series.
The Mayhem had not been as strong at the start of games as they had at the end recently, which they sought to change on Saturday night. On a 2-on-1, Sam Wilbur rifled a slap shot from the right circle, which was denied by Hayden Stewart. However, the puck trickled through the goaltender's equipment, and was smashed into a gaping net by Jimmy Soper. Soper's goal would be his first of the season in just his second game. He did not stop there.
On a Mayhem power play, Soper pickpocketed Knoxville's Brandon McMartin in the neutral zone. He then sprung Justin Levac down his off-wing, who drove to the net and tucked the puck past Stewart to double the Mayhem's lead with a Country Financial insurance goal. Soper found himself on a breakaway shortly after and had a chance at a three-point period, but his shot misfired past the right elbow of the net. Jordan Ruby was a perfect 10-for-10 in goal for the Mayhem in period one.
Knoxville managed to tip the scales substantially in their favor in the second period, outshooting Macon 16-11 and scoring an even-strength goal at 8:56. Liam Kerins swatted the puck between Ruby's pads to cut the Mayhem's lead in half and boost the Ice Bears' momentum. Ruby came up with a pair of enormous saves late in the middle stanza to preserve Macon's advantage.
The Mayhem put forth yet another strong effort in the third period on Saturday night. Derek Sutliffe built on Macon's lead quickly, motoring down the left wing and firing a shot through Stewart to regain a two-goal advantage. However, Knoxville finally struck on the power play shortly after. Going onto a long 5-on-3, the Ice Bears cycled the puck around the Mayhem zone extensively before David Brancik unleashed a one-timer from the left circle, beating Ruby to draw to within a goal.
Ruby was perfect in net for the rest of the night. He had arguably his best game of the season, stopping 31 out of 33 shots to earn his fourth consecutive victory. His counterpart, Stewart, was given the regulation loss after stopping 32 of 35. The Mayhem head to Huntsville to take on the Havoc for the first time this season on Sunday, November 11th at 6:00 pm ET.
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 Macon Mayhem vs. the Knoxville Ice Bears |
SPHL Stories from November 10, 2018
- Pensacola Wins against Huntsville, Breaks Losing Streak - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Thunderbolts Gain Point in OT Loss to Roanoke - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Soper Leads Mayhem to Seventh Straight Win - Macon Mayhem
- Bulls Edge Quad City Again - Birmingham Bulls
- Dawgs Bury ThunderBolts in Overtime, 4-3 - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Preview: Mayhem vs. Knoxville Ice Bears (Game 8) - Macon Mayhem
- SPHL Announces Suspensions - SPHL
- Rail Yard Dawgs Game Notes: Rail Yard Dawgs (2-3-0) vs ThunderBolts (2-6-0) - 7:05 PM - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Late Mistakes Ruin Marksmen's Perfect Start, Lose 6-5 in OT - Fayetteville Marksmen
- Havoc Win OT Thriller in Home Opener - Huntsville Havoc
- Rivermen Come Back to Drop Marksmen in OT Friday - Peoria Rivermen
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