KNOXVILLE, TN – The Mayhem traveled up to Knoxville to close out their long 27-day stretch on the road. The Macon squad would look to bounce back after a rough showing on Wednesday and would have a good opportunity to do so against an Ice Bears squad which Macon beat twice to open the season.
There would be no Thanksgiving food coma for the Mayhem tonight. Mayhem defenseman Adam Eby would open the scoring against former Mayhem netminder Cody Karpinski. Later in the period, Tommy Munichello would slide in to block a Riley Robertson shot which would unfortunately flutter by Josh Boyko to even the contest. The Mayhem would answer back, however. After stealing the puck at the defensive blue line, Jake Goldowski would stick handle around an Ice Bears defenseman and rocket a shot by Karpinski to restore the Mayhem lead. The Mayhem forecheck would create pressure that led to a Jason Price turnover. Jake Goldowski would intercept the puck and make an excellent pass from the trapezoid to set up Justin Cmunt who finished it off in the slot. Macon would maintain their 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
After being assessed two penalties, Macon would be on a long 5-3 penalty kill. Knoxville would capitalize with a powerplay goal from Cameron Hough. Teams would trade shots back and forth. CJ Hayes would take exception to a hit from Brendan Dowler, and they would drop the mitts. Skate Skalde would be assessed a game misconduct for fighting after the original altercation. Macon would hold their 3-2 lead into the break.
The game would continue its chippy energy with two pairs of coinciding roughing minors being assessed. Macon would sustain their one-goal advantage late into the contest. With 2:20 left to play, the puck would pop high into the air and by Boyko to even the game. Knoxville’s Jordan Stallard would crash the crease with under a minute to play to find the dagger to the Mayhem’s hopes.
Macon would cure their offensive slump with 3 goals on the evening and tighten up defensively, surrendering only 26 shots. Macon and Josh Boyko would be the victims of some poor puck luck tonight as two of the Knoxville goals were the results of some very unfortunate bounces, but that’s hockey. Sometimes, “Lady Luck” is not on your side, and Macon will look to curry favor with her tomorrow night inside the Macon Coliseum.
Macon will head home with a chance for revenge tomorrow night when they host the Knoxville Ice Bears on Scooby Doo Night. Puck drop is at 6:35 p.m. EST and your favorite dog is welcome to join in the fun. They will then host the Pensacola Ice Flyers on Sunday afternoon on Pucks and Pickleball Night. Come root for your Macon Mayhem and give them a warm welcome back home after a long road trip. For tickets or more information, visit maconmayhem.com or give us a call at 478-803-1592.
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