FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The expression “ain’t no rest for the wicked” strikes especially true for the Marksmen Training Camp attendees, as the second-and-final preseason game of the Marksmen Camp is officially announced.

On October 13, after a red-eye in Macon, the Marksmen will ship up to Virginia to take on the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs (#8 in SPHL last season) in a final tune-up before the two rivals meet up on October 19 for Opening Night in Fayetteville.

Marksmen Training Camp kicks-off on October 9, and will split time between Fayetteville and Fort Bragg for ice. A few short days into camp, the players, now more conditioned, will head down to Macon on October 12 to face the Mayhem, get back to Fayetteville, and get a good night sleep in before heading to Roanoke.

Head Coach Jesse Kallechy was excited to have a second preseason game in place to really get a good look at his team.

”As a staff our goal was to have two preseason games all along, so we couldn’t be happier that Roanoke has offered to host the game for us. Playing two games allows us to get every player into the lineup in pre-season,” said Kallechy “Everyone from returning players to rookies are coming in to camp with a clean slate and no pre judgement, so I think it’s vital that myself and Peter see these guys get into game action. Also, I think it’s important these guys are around us as a staff and see how we are going to operate.”

This is no coincidence that the two are also the first teams the Marksmen face opening weekend, thanks to proximity and skill level.

Macon contended as one of the league’s top teams last year, and gave the Marksmen frustrations in their inaugural season. The Rail Yard Dawgs, however, were a team the Marksmen more matched for battle, finding several of their 12 wins against the Dawgs. Roanoke is the closest-geographic team for the Marksmen, but still a bit distant at three hours and 27 minutes away (201.5 miles).

These preseason tests also give the Marksmen team a chance to match their talent up against two squads who both battled in the SPHL playoffs last year.

Overall, the two days of games will culminate in 17 hours and four minutes (approx.) of bus time. This will prepare the players for the constant hustle-and-bustle of Minor League Hockey, and allow for Head Coach Jesse Kallechy to have one night in Macon to see the boys, and a night in Roanoke to coach the players.

“This will be a great test for all the young guys that we have playing back to back games in two different cities. At our level the travel schedule can be unforgiving at times, but that is the way it goes, and it doesn’t change the standard of having to show up every night and do your job. We fully expect our guys to show up and compete no matter the circumstance, and this will give all of us a look into what we have ahead in our future,” said Kallechy “Clearly we have a very young group of players coming in for camp. Personally, I can’t wait to see how competitive camp is going to be. We have a ton of great hockey players coming, and I believe this will be the most competitive camp I have been a part of in all my years around pro hockey.”

The Marksmen will start their Training Camp on October 9, with SPHL rosters being finalized on October 17, and league-wide Opening Night on October 19.

The Fayetteville Marksmen organization looks forward to competing once again with our rivals in Roanoke, and preparing each other for the 2018-19 SPHL season.

Keep up with the Marksmen heading into Training Camp, the preseason, and all season long on social media for video, exclusive news and updates, and so much more.

The 2018-19 Marksmen Home Opener is October 19th against the Rail Yard Dawgs, and Season Tickets are on sale NOW! Single Game Tickets for the Marksmen are live on Wednesday, September 19 to commemorate the season being exactly one month away.

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, email Director of Media Relations 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.