MACON, GA – The Macon Mayhem would be back on ice for the second game of a 3-in-3 spell, this time against the Roanoke Railyard Dawgs. The Mayhem would once again have a short bench of only 14 skaters, but Roanoke would be similarly disadvantaged with just 15 skaters of their own.
Each team would begin the game trying to feel one another out and focusing on the defensive end of the ice. Macon would gain a few opportunities primarily on the counter-attack. Both teams had good spells where they controlled the puck in the offensive zone. However, both teams would be stout defensively through the opening period. Macon’s Jimmy Poreda would stop all 10 shots he faced, and Roanoke’s Tyler Roy would match with 9 saves.
The period would start with a bang for the Railyard Dawgs as they were able to take full advantage of a powerplay and earn Brenden Stanko an easy tap-in. Roanoke would keep the momentum going with some relentless pressure before Macon took it back over. Tommy Munichiello would get a gritty goal while parked in the blue paint to open the scoring for the home side; the assists would come from Michael McChesney and Sacha Roy. That would be the spark Macon needed as the crowd began to get behind them. The Mayhem would garner some dominant possession time and convert again. Jake Goldowski and Dan Winslow would show their puck-handling ability before getting a pass across the slot to Rhett Kingston, who hammered home a one-timer to give Macon a 2-1 lead. Jimmy Poreda would make a few incredible saves down the stretch and stop 16/17 in the period to preserve a 2-1 Mayhem lead at the break.
The Railyard Dawgs would not go down without a fight. Billy Roche would score from a point shot that Poreda was screened on to even the contest again at 2. Teams would trade opportunities down the stretch. Macon would head to a late penalty kill with under two minutes to play with everything on the line. Poreda and the Mayhem would be sound down the stretch to secure at least a point for Macon.
The Mayhem would not be satisfied with just a point, however; they wanted the win. Macon’s penalty kill unit would survive the 4-3 kill. Once back to even strength, Macon would thrive. Hora and Kingston would get loose on the breakaway; Kingston would fire a cross-slot pass to Tanner Nagel, who would win it for the Mayhem. Poreda would be stout stopping 35 of 37 in the overtime win.
The Macon Mayhem will head off to battle the Pensacola Ice Flyers tomorrow night on the Gulf Coast. Macon will return to the Macon Coliseum on Monday, February 19th for a rematch with Roanoke and to celebrate Mac the Mascot’s Birthday. Tickets start at just $15 so come join on all the fun. For tickets or more information, visit maconmayhem.com or call us at 478-803-1592.
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