PENSACOLA, FL – The Macon Mayhem would travel to the Florida panhandle for the first of ten matchups with the Pensacola Ice Flyers this season. Macon would take to the ice with fresh legs as they were playing their first game in a full week. It would be reminiscent of David v. Goliath in the goal creases as Macon’s Josh Boyko, standing at 5’10”, would take on the 6’8″ Stephen Mundinger of Pensacola.
Macon’s fresh legs would pay huge dividends early. An excellent poke check from Tommy Munichiello would win possession for Macon. A crisp pass from Michael McChesney would set up the Mayhem’s leading scorer CJ Hayes, who would patiently net Macon the lead just 1:18 into the contest. Josh Boyko would stand tall most of the period but would finally allow a goal late in the period off the stick of Dallas Comeau. Boyko would not have much of a look after a tough goalie screen from Brett Mecrones that would be reviewed for goaltender interference as part of a new video review program being tested by the SPHL in select arenas this season. Unfortunately for Macon, the goal would stand, and the score would be tied at 1 after one period.
Macon would have some early opportunities on the powerplay in the second frame but could not convert. The Mayhem’s penalty kill unit would rise to the occasion twice in the second period as well, thanks to some Herculean efforts from Josh Boyko and even Michael McChesney, who had a diving save with his stick as well. Josh Boyko would answer the call again and again to keep Macon even in the contest. Macon would be outshot 20 to 2 in the second frame but would remain tied at 1 where it counts.
Boyko would pick up right where he left off stopping 39/40 shots until number 41. A pressuring forecheck for Pensacola would gain possession deep in the Mayhem zone and set up Brett Mecrones for the score. Boyko would continue to stand tall to keep Macon in the game, knowing that one goal could change everything, and change it would. With 1:19 left in the game, Macon would show off their clutch gene again! The Mayhem would relentlessly attack in the waning moments before Tommy Munichiello would launch a shot past Mundinger to even the fray and send the game into overtime.
Boyko would make some huge stops in the overtime period. CJ Hayes, with two points on the night, would be denied on a breakaway opportunity. Zac Herrmann would counter the other way and seal the win for the Ice Flyers.
Boyko would be outstanding tonight, making 50 saves in 63:02 of ice time, en route to stealing a point in the standings for the Macon Mayhem. In the matchup of David v. Goliath, Mundinger would win this battle, but the war is far from over.
The Mayhem will finally wrap up their road trip with two matchups bookending Thanksgiving next Wednesday and Friday. They head back to the friendly confines of the Macon Coliseum next Saturday for a tilt with the Ice Bears on Scooby Doo Night where dogs are welcome to join in on the fun. Then Sunday, November 26th, the Mayhem welcome in the Pensacola Ice Flyers for a Sunday matinee on Pucks and Pickleball Night. For tickets or more information, visit maconmayhem.com or call us at 478-803-1592.
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