FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – With a disappointing weekend against Knoxville still fresh in mind, the newly-amped Marksmen looked to make a statement against the undefeated-in-regulation Peoria Rivermen, standing comfortably at #3 in the SPHL standings.

Dillon Kelley started the night in the crease, looking to bounce back after a tough game last weekend. Kelley and his teammates brought their A game, appearing to fix the defensive problems from last weekend. After a back-and-forth period of feeling each other out, the first period would come and go without much zest, ending 0-0 with a 10-9 shot advantage to Peoria.

After a scoreless first period, the Marksmen brought the heat out of the gate. Zach Tatrn wasted no time finding the back of the net just 1:07 into the period for his second of the young season. Nearing the end of the second, Taylor Pryce scored giving the Marksmen a 2-0 lead, and all the momentum. Pryce was set-up by the first star to-be, Cody Brown, on a fantastic individualistic effort. The period end with Fayetteville up 2-0.

The third period started off with familiar frustrations for the Marksmen against Peoria, as Justin Greenberg and Will Smith both found the back of the net for the Rivermen in less than three minutes. The score would remain tight, with momentum heavily-swung in the Rivermen camp.

This wouldn’t remain, as Tim Kelich once again came up huge for the Marksmen late in the game, putting the Marksmen up 3-2. With the Marksmen leading, it was time to put it away, and Cody Brown would be the man to do it.

On their third power play of the night, Brown would add the necessary insurance the Marksmen needed to hold a two goal lead throughout the remainder of the third. With under a minute left and an empty net, Brown would put the final nail in the coffin for a 5-2 Marksmen victory.

Goaltender Dillon Kelley put up a 28 save performance, with one of his best games of the season. With tonight’s victory, the Marksmen ended the longest regulation undefeated streak in North America.

Fayetteville returns to .500 with a 6-6-2 record, and solidifies a big home win against a top three team. Peoria drops to 9-1-2, their second loss of the season against the Marksmen.

These two teams are back in action tomorrow at 6 P.M. for Faith & Family Night at the Crown. Part of the activities involve our Post-Game Skate with the Team! For just $5, enjoy 45 minutes of entertainment with your favorite hockey team, for an affordable price.

We have great deals surrounding the game, just call the Marksmen Office at (910) 321-0123 and find your deal.

We hope to see you down at the Crown as we go for our first home-sweep of the season!

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The Marksmen are back home 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.