Marksmen Win Slobberknocker Against Rail Yard Dawgs 8-5, Rivalry Intensifies

By James Jackson

As the Marksmen entered the Berglund Center for their second away game of the season, they looked to improve on their second period woes. This game proved to be one in which the rookies shined. After two impressive games against Roanoke and Macon, Dillon Kelley found himself having yet another start in the crease racking up 33 saves. Nolan Sheeran and Michael Casale both picked up their first pro goals in the SPHL. Joe Osaka also picked up his first two goals of his career. Darren McCormick refused to let the rookies have all the fun tonight as McCormick picked himself up a hat-trick.

Carl Greco had the first shot-on-goal for the game. Darren McCormick was called on an interference penalty early in the first period. That penalty gave the Dawgs an early power play, however that didn’t last long as Paul Fregeau got tripped and that made it 4-on-4 play. While on the 4-on-4 play Roanoke’s Ben Bauer scored giving the Dawgs a 1-0 lead. That lead didn’t last long, as the Marksmen were on a 5-on-3 power play when Nolan Sheeran had a beautiful one-timer into the net for his first career pro goal. Roanoke’s Eric Witzel was called on a slashing penalty which put the Marksmen back on a 5-on-3 power play. The Marksmen have come out of the tunnel swinging for the fences against their rivals.  

Michael Casale and Patrick Harrison traded blows in a fight that saw Casale knock Harrison’s helmet clean off his head. Harrison was deemed the victor of the scuffle but Casale certainly left a lasting impression on Patrick Harrison. Joe Osaka snuck a goal threw the legs of Roanoke Goaltender Brad Barone, for his first pro goal as well. Marksmen Captain Jake Hauswirth was called on a hooking penalty putting the Dawgs on a power play. That power play allowed Cody Dion of the Dawgs to sneak one past Dillon Kelley, evening the score at 2-2. On another power play for the Dawgs, Roanoke scored yet again giving them a 3-2 lead in the first period. With about 2:33 left in the first period, Dillon Kelley stopped a huge breakaway for the Dawgs. Paul Fregeau was called on a slashing penalty, giving the Dawgs yet another power play.

As a wild first period concluded, it was time for the second period of play. The Marksmen have been struggling in the second period thus far in the season, so the task at hand was to continue their strong start they had in period one. Just 28 seconds in the second period, Maxime Guyon scored giving the Dawgs a 4-2 lead. David Mazurek completely undresses Brad Barone with a beautiful shot, scoring and giving the Marksmen life by putting them within one. Mazurek’s goal is the second of the season for him.

Shane Bennett was called on a hooking penalty putting the Marksmen on another penalty killer. Just before the half way mark in the game, Darren McCormick scored his second goal of the season.  With that goal, the Marksmen crawl out of their foxes den and even the score up 4-4. For the fifth time so far, the Marksmen once again were placed on a power play. Joe Osaka makes a huge impact in his final game on his three game tryout, scoring once again for the Marksmen. That second goal from Osaka puts the Marksmen up 5-4.

After an incredible performance during the first two periods, the Marksmen looked to close out the third period with yet another impressive performance. Roanoke entered the third period trailing, something they haven’t done all season when facing the Marksmen until the last few minutes of play. On a 5-on-2 play, Colin Murray breaks through and gets one pasted Dillon Kelley, ultimately evening the score 5-5. Michael Economos was called on high sticking, putting the Marksmen on their sixth power play of the game. Darren McCormick was determined to capitalize on the power play and he did. McCormick scored his second goal of the night putting the Marksmen up 6-5 with 13:38 left. Just as the Marksmen were done celebrating their most recent goal, 31 seconds later Michael Casale scored his first pro goal putting the Marksmen up 7-5. Darren McCormick decided to have himself a night, scoring a hat-trick.

McCormick wasn’t the only one with a hat-trick as Joe Osaka picked himself up a Gordie Howe hat-trick as chaos ensued behind the Dawgs net. Osaka, not wanting to fight originally but Roanoke Captain Steve Mele picked a fight. Unfortunately for Mele, Osaka threw him to the ground in dominating fashion. Both Osaka and Mele were thrown from the game. Dillon Kelley had 33 saves in the night and did enough in the net to get the win for the Marksmen.

Going into tonight’s game we knew it would be a great game but we never expected anything like we saw. You don’t want to miss our next two games Nov. 2nd and 3rd against the Macon Mayhem in the Crown Coliseum.

The Marksmen are back home on Friday, November 2 for Haunted Hockey, and Saturday, November 3 for Military Appreciation. Tickets are available now by calling the Marksmen office at (910) 321-0123!

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.