High-Scoring Affair Doesn't Go Macon's Way, Mayhem Lose 6-5

The Mayhem end on the wrong side of a barn-burner, fall to the Knoxville Ice Bears 6-5 Coming off of a two-game series in Pensacola and then a late-night bus ride to get back, it’d have been understandable for the Mayhem to come out flat. However, they defied expectations and came out firing. Both teams pushed the pace early and saw good scoring opportunities but it was the Ice Bears that struck first. The fast-play

continued but the Mayhem couldn’t crack Knoxville goaltender Kristian Stead as the Ice Bears tacked on a powerplay goal to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

Mirroring their second period less than 24 hours ago, the Mayhem came out in the second period with something to prove. Jacob Ratcliffe’s powerplay goal broke the scoring drought for the Mayhem and triggered the Tighty Whitey Toss that saw a cascade of underwear and socks flood the ice. Then after another Ice Bears goal once again made it a two-goal game, Devin Brink and Jesse Anderson converted in rapid succession to even up the contest heading into the 3rd period.

Neither team showed any signs of slowing down in the third as two quick Knoxville goals reestablished their two-goal advantage. The Mayhem refused to give up as they continued their constant pressure in the Knoxville zone. The Ice Bears started to get sloppy defensively and Justin McDonald and Colton Fletcher both were sent to the box for tripping. Macon wasted no time getting to work on the powerplay as Tommy Municiello and Caleb Cameron both struck to even up the score. McDonald, the Ice Bears captain, showed why he’s the league’s leading scorer breaking the 5-5 deadlock with six minutes left in the 3rd. The Mayhem launched an empty net attack late that yielded some promise but ultimately came up short.

The Mayhem will travel to Evansville this coming weekend to take on the Thunderbolts. The next time they’ll take the Coliseum ice will be Sunday, February 5th for Mac’s Birthday featuring mascots from around Middle Georgia and $5 tickets! Find more information and tickets at maconmayhem.com.