Final Regular-Season Series With Knoxville Promises Intensity

(Article: Preston Baker, Photo: Brian Collett)

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – A split in the series last week with Knoxville brings the Marksmen into the final meeting of the season with the Ice Bears, still in a tie for fifth place in the league. The Marksmen take the trip west to Knoxville where they played just last Friday and won 5-3 in that contest. Fayetteville goes into the contest posting a 2-1 record at Knoxville’s Civic Coliseum, with this being a full-road series across the Smoky’s.

Fayetteville played well on the offensive end, scoring seven goals in two contests with the Ice Bears last weekend. The Marksmen will be missing out on a big part of their offense of recent, as forward Brian Bowen was called up to the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals. Bowen had been a crutch of the Fayetteville offense, including two goals just last weekend and seven in the last two weeks.

With the loss of one, comes the gain of another, as David Mazurek is back from his stint with the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. David logged five points in 17 appearances with Atlanta. He will rejoin the surging Marksmen and looks to fit into a role that has much changed since his last stint in Fayetteville. When he was with the Marksmen, he was one of the league’s leading-scorers, and an Alternate Captain.

Fayetteville’s power play has remained playing a key role in their offensive game. The Marksmen went 2-7, (29 percent) on the power play last weekend. The second-rated power play in the league looks to improve upon their 21.8 perecent clip for the year. Knoxville currently leads the league (and ALL of professional hockey) with a 91.5 percent successful penalty kill, they successfully stopped five Marksmen power plays last weekend.

Both teams come into this weekend with a record of 18-13-4, tying them for fifth place in the league. Neither team could gain any ground last week as they split the weekend set. If trends continue, this could be a great weekend for the Marksmen as the road team took both games last weekend. If a team gets all four points in this series, they could vault up and be only a few points out of third after these games. Most importantly, they’d gain serious ground over the other, as they no longer meet this season.

The Marksmen look to improve their already good 9-4-3 record away from the Crown. Fayetteville needs to perform away from home as they play their next five games outside of North Carolina. Every point matters as the Marksmen are fighting for playoff position and the possibility of more home games in the postseason.

You don’t want to miss this series.

Join us at On-After Sports Bar and Grub both nights this weekend, for the Home Away From Home watch party – with great food specials and plenty of awesome drinks. If you can’t make it out, listen all weekend long with the Voice of the Marksmen Shawn Bednard on MarksmenRadio.com.

The Marksmen are back home Thursday, February 21 for our School Day Game at 10 A.M. Tickets are available now by calling the Marksmen office at (910) 321-0123 or clicking on the date above!

Saturday, February 23 is STAR WARS NIGHT, where we’ll be skating out in exclusive Stormtrooper jerseys, and have the 501st Legion out. Stay tuned for ticket specials.

Sunday, February 24 is our second-to-last SUNDAY FUNDAY game, where all kids get in FREE (with purchase of an adult ticket), and we’ll have a post-game skate with the Marksmen!

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.

BE SOCIAL:

Follow the Marksmen on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest news and information surrounding the team. Search and follow “Marksmen Hockey” for behind-the-scenes content, player and coaches interviews, and much more!

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.