(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) – The Macon Mayhem fell to the Knoxville Ice Bears 4-3 late on Thursday night after a thrilling comeback effort.
The Ice Bears got off to a hot start, taking an early lead just 57 seconds into the first period with a goal from Davide Gaeta, assisted by Cam Tobey and Billy Roche. The Ice Bears tallied another goal at 17:39 as Kolten Olynek found the back of the net, assisted by Gaeta and Guo, giving Knoxville a two-goal lead heading into the second period.
Knoxville continued to build on its advantage early in the second period, capitalizing on a double-minor high-sticking penalty assessed to Macon’s Brandon Stojcevski. Tim Kent scored on the power play at 4:16, assisted by Ryan Kuzmich and Jack Ring, before Ranon Joseph added another power-play goal just one minute later, with assists from Blake Benson and Kent. Macon made a goaltending change at 5:16, bringing Josh Boyko into the game in place of Dominic Basse. The Mayhem responded with back-to-back goals, as Savva Smirnov found the back of the net at 7:48, followed by Michael Krupinski just 13 seconds later.
Macon carried its momentum into the third period, as Bohdan Zinchenko cut into Knoxville’s lead with a goal at 3:44, assisted by Khaden Henry and Brandon Stojcevski. The Mayhem pulled Boyko in favor of an extra skater in an effort to even the score but ultimately fell short, dropping the contest 4-3.
Macon takes on Huntsville at Polaris Ice at Propst Arena tomorrow night at 8pm ET. The Mayhem will finally be back at home on Friday, November 20th at 7pm against the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs for Pro Wrestling Night. Grab your tickets today at maconmayhem.com.
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