Catfish top Havoc 3-1, extend SPHL lead

FAYETTEVILLE N.C. – The Cape Fear Catfish took down the Huntsville Havoc 3-1 at the Crown Coliseum Friday, extending their lead in the SPHL standings. 

Neither side could find the back of the net through 20 minutes of play, and staunch defense from both teams kept shots 8-8 going into the first intermission. 

Simon Boyko (5) got the Catfish on the board early in the second period with a one-time goal from Max Johnson (3) and Anthony Yurkins (2) just 2:26 in. The Havoc answered back near the halfway mark of the frame, and the 1-1 tie held into the intermission. 

Dalton Hunter (2) re-took the Cape Fear lead on the PWC powerplay early in the third period. Brendon Michaelian (5) picked up the secondary assist after Tyler Kobryn (6) sailed the shot in for Hunter to deflect. Before the end of the frame, Kyle Soper netted his first goal of the season, sailing the puck nearly 200 feet for an empty-net goal at 19:04, sealing the 3-1 Catfish win. 

The Catfish extended their standings lead for first place in the SPHL to three points, over the Peoria Rivermen. 

The Marksmen return to the ice for Scooby-Doo Night, Saturday, November 18 at 7 p.m. when they will wear specialty jerseys to be auctioned off after the game. 

For single-game tickets to all 2023-24 home games, visit marksmenhockey.com.