SPHL Game Recap: Knoxville Ice Bears vs Macon Mayhem | 11/24/2024

The Macon Mayhem faced off against the Knoxville Ice Bears in an eagerly anticipated matchup at the Macon Centreplex. The Mayhem hosted their “Salute to Service” night, honoring the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces, as well as our first responders. The game saw both teams eager to set the tone, with Macon looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage, especially coming in with the win against the Fayetteville Marksmen the night before. On the other side of the ice we had the Knoxville Ice Bears aiming to assert their dominance early. The game would be marked by some intense physical play, setting the stage for what was a thrilling contest.

Starting Line – Knoxville Ice Bears

Forwards:

• LW: Tyler Williams (#3)
• C: Derek Osik (#8)
• RW: Jason Brancheau (#22)

Defensemen:

• D: Brendan Dowler (#6)
• D: Dalton Skelly (#9)

Goaltender:

• G: Stephen Mundinger (#1)

Starting Line – Macon Mayhem

Forwards:

• LW: Tao Ishizuka (#14)
• C: Alec Cohen (#21)
• RW: Conor Witherspoon (#5)

Defensemen:

• D: Amedeo Mastrangeli (#4)
• D: Nicholas Aromatario (#16)

Goaltender:

• G: Dysen Skinner (#30)

First Period

The first period was marked by a series of penalties that significantly impacted the game’s flow. Both teams struggled to maintain momentum as they navigated multiple power plays and penalty kills. Macon incurred three penalties, while Knoxville had four. Knoxville’s penalties came in quick succession, with Dawson McKinney (tripping), Brendan Dowler (cross-checking), and Kyle Soper (high-sticking) all being sent to the box within a mere four minutes. Despite these challenges, the Macon Mayhem managed to stay focused. Though Macon couldn’t convert on the man advantage, they held their ground, and the period ended without any goals for either side.

First Period: Knoxville 0, Macon 0

Penalties:

• 4:42: C. Vance (Knoxville) – Roughing
• 4:42: J. Kelley (Macon) – Boarding
• 7:18: T. Grimshaw (Macon) – Roughing
• 9:53: A. Cohen (Macon) – Cross-Checking
• 13:54: D. McKinney (Knoxville) – Tripping
• 15:41: B. Dowler (Knoxville) – Cross-Checking
• 17:21: K. Soper (Knoxville) – High-Sticking

Shots on Goal:

• Knoxville: 9
• Macon: 10

Second Period

Macon finally managed to break the deadlock that had persisted throughout the first period of the game during the second period, and it came in a crucial moment with a power play goal scored at the 8:49 mark. Conor Witherspoon was the Macon player who found the net, deftly tapping in a rebound that resulted from a well-placed shot by Amedeo Mastrangeli, assisted by Brendan Jenion.

As the period progressed, with the clock winding down towards the end of the second period at 18:53, Witherspoon demonstrated his puck handling skill by sending a long, precise pass across the ice to Tao Ishizuka. Ishizuka quickly capitalized on this opportunity and set up Trent Grimshaw, who executed a beautiful shot that found the back of the net. This impressive play effectively doubled Macon’s lead, putting them in a strong position as the period ended.

Second Period: Knoxville 0, Macon 2

Goals:

• 8:49: C. Witherspoon (Macon) – Assisted by A. Mastrangeli, B. Jenion (Power Play)
• 18:53: T. Grimshaw (Macon) – Assisted by T. Ishizuka, C. Witherspoon

Penalties:

• 4:43: T. Williams (Knoxville) – Diving/Embellishment
• 4:43: N. Aromatario (Macon) – Tripping
• 7:23: B. Dowler (Knoxville) – Roughing
• 8:49: J. Goldowski (Macon) – Roughing
• 16:31: T. Williams (Knoxville) – Diving/Embellishment
• 16:31: A. Mastrangeli (Macon) – Cross-Checking

Shots on Goal:

• Knoxville: 13
• Macon: 10

Third Period

Macon continued their dominance in the third period. Just 12 seconds into a power play at 7:43, Conor Witherspoon scored his second power play goal, assisted by Nick Aromatario and Alex Cohen. With less than five minutes remaining, Knoxville pulled their goalie, and Dan Winslow sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 16:35, assisted by Alex Cohen. Dysen Skinner was stellar in goal, earning his first SPHL shutout with 31 saves.

Third Period: Knoxville 0, Macon 2

Goals:

• 7:43: C. Witherspoon (Macon) – Assisted by N. Aromatario, Alex Cohen (Power Play)
• 16:35: D. Winslow (Macon) – Assisted by Alex Cohen (Empty Net)

Penalties:

• 5:07: D. Winslow (Macon) – Tripping
• 7:31: K. Soper (Knoxville) – Tripping

Shots on Goal:

• Knoxville: 9
• Macon: 9

Game Summary

In a thrilling display of skill, the Macon Mayhem secured a decisive 4-0 victory. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly Dysen Skinner’s stunning performance in goal, earning his first professional shutout. The crowd erupted in cheers as the final buzzer sounded, with players from the Mayhem celebrating both the team’s dominant win and Skinner’s remarkable achievement.

Final Score:

• Knoxville: 0
• Macon: 4

Shots on Goal:

• Knoxville: 31
• Macon: 29

Power Plays:

• Knoxville: 0 / 4
• Macon: 2 / 5

Penalties:

• Knoxville: 16 minutes / 8 infractions
• Macon: 14 minutes / 7 infractions

Points:

• Knoxville: 0 goals + 0 assists = 0 points
• Macon: 4 goals + 7 assists = 11 points

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Dysen Skinner (Macon)
2. Conor Witherspoon (Macon)
3. Trent Grimshaw (Macon)

Upcoming Games

The Mayhem take the ice again Wednesday in Roanoke as they take on the Rail Yard Dawgs before returning home for Dinosaur Night against the Pensacola Ice Flyers on Friday, November 29 at 7 p.m.