FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Coming off back-to-back losses to Knoxville last weekend, the Marksmen enter this weekend’s home stint fifth in the SPHL standings. The Marksmen welcome a tough challenger in the Peoria Rivermen Nov. 30th and Dec. 1st.

Fayetteville comes off a weekend where they struggled heavily on the defensive side of the puck. After falling behind 2-0 to Roanoke, they were able to play a strong final period where they’d find a 4-2 win, but Knoxville was able to find a kink in the armor after the Marksmen took on a 2-0 and 3-1 lead, leading to ultimately an OTW for the Ice Bears, before coming away with an impressive 7-2 victory over the Marksmen in Fayetteville.

With a hard week of conditioning and working systems in their systems, Fayetteville now finds themselves heading into the gauntlet of the SPHL, starting off against the #3 Peoria Rivermen.

The last time the Marksmen faced Peoria, it was an instant classic in Illinois, with back-to-back 6-5 overtime games, a win and a loss for Fayetteville.

With the loss of scoring leader David Mazurek, called up to Atlanta (ECHL), the Marksmen will look to rely back on league-goals leader Darren McCormick once again, who impressed in his Midwestern road trip a few weeks back. New additions Brian Bowen and Alfred Johansson will be tasked with carrying their roles from the get-go, as Bowen’s scoring touch will be needed with a missing part of the machine, and Johansson’s strong blue line presence is necessary for a struggling Marksmen D-core.

Peoria enters this weekend third in the SPHL standings with a 9-0-2 record. Alec Hagamen remains a threat, racking up five goals and ten assists. Since the OTL to Fayetteville, the Rivermen have been hot once again.

Peoria is entering this weekend’s games on a four game win streak, coming off a 3-2 overtime victory against the Ice Flyers. The Rivermen are currently ranked first in goals scored, and fifth when on the power play. The Marksmen need to bring their best this weekend if they want to come out on top.

With a full home weekend, the Marksmen need to take advantage of being rested in their own beds, and play with a more relentless mentality. The big struggle for the Marksmen against Peoria was not being able to hold onto the lead when it was acquired; a growing theme in this rough stretch for Fayetteville.

Expect to see a hot start from a Marksmen team that should be playing more inspired following a disappointing weekend.

You won’t want to miss this budding rivalry battle.

Friday’s game is Outdoorsmen Night at 7 P.M., fans are invited to wear their woodsiest flannel and grow their strongest beards. Axe’s & X’s will be out front prior to our game, inviting fans to join them to throw axes against their friends.

Saturday at 6 P.M. is Faith and Family Night, bring your family and come enjoy a great night of hockey with all of us highlighting the blessing of faith and celebration of family.

Great ticket packages are available, including Saturday’s Night FOUR FOR $40 FAMILY DEAL, which gives you four Lower End Zone tickets AND a coupon for a FREE Old Chicago pizza for JUST $40. You can buy that HERE.

As always, please call the Marksmen Office at (910) 321-0123 to learn about all of our ticket deals for the weekend and season.

Tickets for this weekend are available for purchase now HERE.

As always if you can’t make it out to the games, you can catch the game on SPHLlive.com ($) or listen live to the “Voice of the Marksmen” Shawn Bednard as he brings you the action on the Marksmen Radio Network.

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The Marksmen are back home THIS WEEKEND, Friday, November 30 for Outdoorsmen Night, and Saturday, December 1 for Faith & Family Night. Tickets are available now by calling the Marksmen office at (910) 321-0123 or clicking on the date above!

For more information on the night, head to our Facebook page and click on the event page.

If you’re interested in partnering up with the Marksmen organization, or hearing about our season ticket packages, group packages, mini-plans, or advertising benefits in-arena or with the broadcast, email Director of Digital Marketing and Media Shawn Bednard, SBednard@MarksmenHockey.com or call the Marksmen Office at (910) 321-0123.

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The Fayetteville Marksmen are owned and operated by Union Pro Hockey Group and play their home games at Crown Coliseum. The Marksmen are a committed community asset, designed to provide premium entertainment to families and individuals in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.