MACON, GA – The Macon Mayhem bombarded the Ice Bears on Opening Night of the SPHL’s 20th Anniversary season.
As the first period got started, a renewed sense of energy came with it. Coach Niedert and his squad came out determined, and it definitely showed on the ice. However, the Knoxville Ice Bears got on the board first courtesy of Rex Moe. The Mayhem answered back though. Joey Berkopec fired a shot on net from the point, and chaos ensued in the goal crease. After the dust settled, the Mayhem were back even at 1, and Berkopec had his first professional goal. After a few huge saves by Josh Boyko, the period ended with the score knotted at one.
The Ice Bears got off to a hot start in the second period as Brady Fleurent gave them a 2-1 advantage. Knoxville would hold that lead until 11:22 into the period. Tim Faulkner fired the puck in from the point which careened off the back boards and settled in front of the right post of Baribeau’s net. Alex Cohen charged in and slotted it home to even the contest yet again. The game would turn chippy in the winding minutes of the second as a couple of coinciding roughing minors were assessed.
The Mayhem would dominate the third period. Alex Cohen grabbed his second goal of the game just 45 seconds into the period. Tanner Nagel would then add on with his first career SPHL goal. After a minor for tripping was assessed to Knoxville’s Seth Ensor, the Mayhem would strike gold on their ensuing power play as Tommy Munichiello would finish off some sharp passes from CJ Hayes and Michael McChesney to give the Mayhem a three-goal advantage. Macon’s Jake Goldowski would continue to add on after an assist from Alex Laplante, his third of the game. Goldowski would not stop as he added the dagger with a sleek toe-drag and subsequent snapshot. As the final seconds ticked away, the Mayhem faithful stood to recognize the overpowering effort from their squad as the Mayhem won 7 to 2 to take all 2 points on Opening Night.
The Mayhem will look to keep the momentum going tomorrow night on Star Wars Night against these same Knoxville Ice Bears. The puck drops at 6:30 p.m. For ticket opportunities or more information, visit maconmayhem.com or call the front office at 478-803-1592.
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