ROANOKE, Va. – The Huntsville Havoc were back in Roanoke for a weekend double header. After their loss to the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs the previous weekend, they were looking for some payback. The Havoc split this weekend with the Dawgs, winning Friday night with a score of 4-3. The Dawgs held them off Saturday for the win, with a score of 4-3.
Friday’s game started off slow, but heated up in the second period. Huntsville gained the lead in the second, scoring three goals in the first ten minutes of the period. The Dawgs pushed back in the final ten minutes, gaining two, courtesy of the captain, Nick Ford. The third period saw both teams score goals, along with some dropped gloves. Roanoke’s Matt O’Dea collected a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, after his confrontation with Huntsville’s Jeremy Gervais. Later, O’Dea scored the third goal with 26 seconds left in the game, but it wasn’t enough. It was Roanoke’s first loss at home since November 1st.
Saturday night’s game was sure to bring the fireworks. Fans were already fired up over the suspension of Roanoke captain Nick Ford, for an “unpenalized hit to the head”. Adding fuel to the fire was the crowd’s vocal displeasure with the referees calls, and perceived lack of calls. On the ice, it was a game of back and forth. The Dawgs answered each Havoc goal with one of their own, ending the first period tied at 3-3. The Dawgs took the lead in the second, with a Mac Jansen goal. The third period saw the Havoc try to overtake the Dawgs, without any success. The Roanoke defense held them off, taking the win, 4-3. This marked the third time in four games that the Dawgs defeated the leagues 1st place Huntsville Havoc.
Check out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s Michele Hancock, for highlights from the game.
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
