Thunderbolts Ready to Take on Mayhem in First Round
Published on April 9, 2018 under SPHL (SPHL)
Evansville Thunderbolts News Release
Evansville Thunderbolts defend their goal against the Macon Mayhem
(Evansville Thunderbolts)
Evansville, Ind: It has been six years since Evansville professional hockey has seen a playoff berth. That changes this Thursday, April 12, when the Evansville Thunderbolts face-off against the Macon Mayhem for game 1 of the 2017-18 SPHL Playoffs. And while that is exciting for the city itself, the game is also free and open to the public.
While the 2016-17 defending champions edged out the Thunderbolts in the regular season series - 3-2-2 - Evansville was the last to draw a win, recently defeating the Mayhem in overtime on Saturday, April 7. The Thunderbolts finished the regular season in sixth place with a record of 27-20-9 and 63 points, while the Mayhem finished in second place with a 33-16-7 record and 73 points.
"I think we match up well with them," said Head Coach Jeff Pyle. "We've played hard against them all year and every game has been tight."
The SPHL changed the way playoff matches worked this year by allowing the top four seeds to choose who they wanted to play against. While many thought the number 1 seed Peoria Rivermen would choose the Thunderbolts, it was the number 2 seed Macon Mayhem.
"It didn't matter to us who it was," said Pyle. "We were willing to play anybody at any time. We have to beat everyone to win it, so we weren't worried about anyone."
Game 1 of the SPHL playoffs begins at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, April 12 at Ford Center. E Night is free and open to the public thanks to E is for Everyone. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the general public. Season ticket holders will be allowed to enter at 5:45 p.m. to ensure they get their favorite seat in the house. In addition to the game being presented for free, fans can also receive a free rally towel, courtesy of A. Schulman. Game 2 will be played in Macon on Saturday, April 14, as well as game 3 - if necessary - on Sunday, April 15.
Images from this story
 Evansville Thunderbolts defend their goal against the Macon Mayhem |
SPHL Stories from April 9, 2018
- Pyle Finalizes Playoff Roster - Evansville Thunderbolts
- : Rivermen Set Playoff Roster Monday - Peoria Rivermen
- Weekend Preview: Havoc to Face Mississippi in Inaugural Challenge Round - Huntsville Havoc
- 2018 SPHL Challenge Round Tickets Available Today - Mississippi RiverKings
- Thunderbolts Ready to Take on Mayhem in First Round - Evansville Thunderbolts
- Rail Yard Dawgs Set Playoff Roster by Signing Grant Garvin - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Game 1 Tickets of 2018 Challenge Round on Sale at 10:00 a.m. - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- SPHL Announces Inaugural Challenge Round Schedule - SPHL
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