FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Marksmen offense explodes for 5 goals in win over Birmingham.
A fast moving first period was underway in Fayetteville as the Marksmen came out hungry scoring just 3 mins into the game. A shot from the half wall by Graeme McCrory, was able to sneak past the blocker side of the Bulls goaltender to give the Marksmen the 1-0 lead.
The bulls pushed back and generated pressure resulting in a Marksmen penalty for tripping. The penalty kills, with the given task at hand, stood tall clearing all chances thrown their way. In the late stages of the first period, Evan Pringle found himself all alone at the high slot picking his corner riffling one past the Bulls goaltender at 17:59. A quick response for the Bulls, as they quickly got one back where Tyler Stewart was able to bang one home at 19:27 to close out the first period.
Center ice dump-ins and pucks down low for both offenses to forecheck occupied the first half of the second period as both sides looked to get a step on one another. The Bulls committed a tripping penalty to send the Marksmen to the powerplay. After setting up on the man advantage, Ricky Boysen from behind the net found Evan Pringle where he was able to wrist one past the far glove side of the Bulls goaltender at 10:08. The Bulls kept fighting and generating chances. Aiden Wagner threw a shot on the net where Jacob Mucitelli let up a rebound for Cole Jungwirth to tap it in back door at 13:28.
The intensity picked up as tensions flared as both teams made sure to finish their checks and play the body. Alex Davis and Jordan Gagnon dropped the gloves after emotions boiled over and got the crowd fired up.
The third period was underway and the Marksmen looked to extend their 3-2 further while playing sound defense. After some back and forth hockey, the Marksmen were able to add on another tally after Jordan Stock was able to score at 7:38 off a rebound chance crashing the net. Just minutes later off a beautiful stretch pass from Kyler Head set up a breakaway opportunity for Payton Schaly where he made no mistake scoring a beautiful forehand-backhand goal at 8:23.
The Marksmen were in cruise control from then on playing tight defense, limiting the shot chances for Mucitelli while still applying pressure in the offensive zone. The Bulls were able to get one back late at 18:19 after a loose puck battle in the goal crease where Jacob Mucitelli couldn’t control it in time.
The Marksmen would go on to close out the dying minutes of the game to secure the 5-3 win on home ice. Payton Schaly led the way with a goal and two helpers while Jacob Mucitelli had 28 saves on 31 shots.
The Marksmen are back in action against the Birmingham Bulls tomorrow, November 14 at 6pm for Jurassic Night. Get tickets now at marksmenhockey.com