It’s been an exciting week in the league, with several teams making significant moves in the standings. Huntsville continues to lead the pack, increasing their points and maintaining an impressive win percentage. Peoria also had a strong week, closing the gap slightly with Huntsville. Fayetteville and Knoxville both saw improvements, though Fayetteville’s win percentage dipped a bit. Birmingham and Roanoke made notable gains, while Evansville and Macon struggled to keep up their momentum. Quad City and Pensacola, despite being at the bottom, showed some progress, with Pensacola making the most significant jump in win percentage. Overall, it’s clear that every game counts as teams jostle for position in this competitive league. Let’s dive into those stats and what they may mean moving forward.
Current Standings
Below are the changes for each team with Week 6 and Week 7 stats listed first and the team’s movement in the standing (if any):
GF: Goals For
GA: Goals Against
- Huntsville:
Week 6: Points: 17, Win Percentage: 77.3%, GF: 37, GA: 22
Week 7: Points: 22, Win Percentage: 78.6%, GF: 48, GA: 31
From Week 6 to Week 7, Huntsville gained 5 points, increased their win percentage by 1.3%, scored 11 more goals for (GF), and allowed 9 more goals against (GA).
Change in Standing: Up from 2nd to 1st - Peoria:
Week 6: Points: 16, Win Percentage: 72.7%, GF: 43, GA: 25
Week 7: Points: 20, Win Percentage: 76.9%, GF: 52, GA: 26
From Week 6 to Week 7, Peoria gained 4 points, improved their win percentage by 4.2%, scored 9 more goals for, and allowed 1 more goal against.
Change in Standing: Up from 3rd to 2nd - Fayetteville:
Week 6: Points: 17, Win Percentage: 70.8%, GF: 41, GA: 33
Week 7: Points: 19, Win Percentage: 67.9%, GF: 46, GA: 37
From Week 6 to Week 7, Fayetteville gained 2 points, but their win percentage decreased by 2.9%. They scored 5 more goals for and allowed 4 more goals against.
Change in Standing: Down from 1st to 3rd - Knoxville:
Week 6: Points: 15, Win Percentage: 57.7%, GF: 34, GA: 44
Week 7: Points: 19, Win Percentage: 59.4%, GF: 43, GA: 50
From Week 6 to Week 7, Knoxville gained 4 points, increased their win percentage by 1.7%, scored 9 more goals for, and allowed 6 more goals against.
Change in Standing: No change (4th to 4th) - Birmingham:
Week 6: Points: 14, Win Percentage: 70.0%, GF: 38, GA: 28
Week 7: Points: 17, Win Percentage: 65.4%, GF: 48, GA: 40
From Week 6 to Week 7, Birmingham gained 3 points, but their win percentage decreased by 4.6%. They scored 10 more goals for and allowed 12 more goals against.
Change in Standing: No change (5th to 5th) - Roanoke:
Week 6: Points: 11, Win Percentage: 50.0%, GF: 39, GA: 39
Week 7: Points: 15, Win Percentage: 57.7%, GF: 45, GA: 43
From Week 6 to Week 7, Roanoke gained 4 points, improved their win percentage by 7.7%, scored 6 more goals for, and allowed 4 more goals against.
Change in Standing: Up from 7th to 6th - Evansville:
Week 6: Points: 14, Win Percentage: 53.8%, GF: 35, GA: 36
Week 7: Points: 15, Win Percentage: 46.9%, GF: 39, GA: 47
From Week 6 to Week 7, Evansville gained 1 point, but their win percentage decreased by 6.9%. They scored 4 more goals for and allowed 11 more goals against.
Change in Standing: Down from 6th to 7th - Macon:
Week 6: Points: 11, Win Percentage: 45.8%, GF: 34, GA: 38
Week 7: Points: 11, Win Percentage: 39.3%, GF: 39, GA: 46
From Week 6 to Week 7, Macon had no change in points, but their win percentage decreased by 6.5%. They scored 5 more goals for and allowed 8 more goals against.
Change in Standing: No change (8th to 8th) - Quad City:
Week 6: Points: 9, Win Percentage: 40.9%, GF: 34, GA: 46
Week 7: Points: 11, Win Percentage: 39.3%, GF: 38, GA: 56
From Week 6 to Week 7, Quad City gained 2 points, but their win percentage decreased by 1.6%. They scored 4 more goals for and allowed 10 more goals against.
Change in Standing: No change (9th to 9th) - Pensacola:
Week 6: Points: 5, Win Percentage: 20.8%, GF: 28, GA: 52
Week 7: Points: 9, Win Percentage: 30.0%, GF: 39, GA: 61
From Week 6 to Week 7, Pensacola gained 4 points, improved their win percentage by 9.2%, scored 11 more goals for, and allowed 9 more goals against.
Change in Standing: No change (10th to 10th)
Biggest Changes from Week 6 to Week 7
Huntsville moved up to 1st place, gaining five points. Peoria climbed to 2nd place with a 4-point gain and a 4.2% improvement in win percentage. Fayetteville dropped to 3rd place, experiencing a 2.9% decrease in win percentage. Roanoke advanced to 6th place, boosting their win percentage by 7.7%. Conversely, Evansville fell to 7th place with a 6.9% drop in win percentage. Despite remaining in 10th place, Pensacola improved their win percentage by 9.2%. These changes highlight significant movements in team standings and performance, with Huntsville and Peoria making notable gains, while Fayetteville and Evansville faced challenges.
Career Milestone
Peoria Rivermen – Jean-Guy Trudel
Last Week’s Game Results
WED, NOVEMBER 27
- Knoxville 1 at Fayetteville 3
- Macon 2 at Roanoke 3
- Evansville 1 at Quad City 3
- Huntsville 3 at Pensacola 2
THU, NOVEMBER 28
- Birmingham 5 at Huntsville 4 (OT)
FRI, NOVEMBER 29
- Pensacola 5 at Macon 3
- Evansville 0 at Knoxville 4
- Fayetteville 2 at Roanoke 3
- Birmingham 2 at Huntsville 4
- Quad City 0 at Peoria 4
SAT, NOVEMBER 30
- Evansville 3 at Knoxville 4 (SO)
- Birmingham 3 at Pensacola 4 (SO)
- Peoria 5 at Quad City 1
Fayetteville, Quad City, and Birmingham each secured a win. Roanoke, Huntsville (including one overtime win), Pensacola (including one shootout win), Knoxville (including one shootout win), and Peoria each achieved two wins.
Goaltending
Leading the pack is Colby Muise from Peoria, who has been outstanding with a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.60 over 598:58 minutes played. He has secured eight wins, a loss, and one overtime loss, with an impressive save percentage of 0.940, making 252 saves out of 268 shots faced.
Dysen Skinner from Macon, who has played 253:36 minutes, achieving a GAA of 1.66. Skinner has two wins, two losses, and no overtime losses, with a stellar save percentage of 0.951, having saved 135 out of 142 shots.
Rounding out tour list is Brian Wilson from Huntsville, with a GAA of 1.78 over 303:45 minutes. Wilson has recorded four wins, no losses, and one overtime loss, boasting a save percentage of 0.951, with 173 saves out of 182 shots faced.
These goaltenders have continued to show exceptional skill and consistency in the net, making them key players to watch as the season progresses.
SPHL Player of the Week
Jack Jaunich of the Huntsville Havoc was named the Warrior SPHL Player of the Week for November 25 to December 1, 2024, thanks to his outstanding performance on the ice. Jaunich scored two goals, including one game-winner, and added six assists, helping the Havoc earn five out of six possible points over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Leaders
Points Leaders
- Nick Ford (Roanoke): 23 points (5g, 18a)
- Leif Mattson (Quad City): 18 points (9g, 9a)
- Carson Rose (Birmingham): 16 points (13g, 3a)
- Jack Jaunich (Huntsville): 16 points (7g, 9a)
Goal Leaders
- Carson Rose (Birmingham): 13 goals
- Leif Mattson (Quad City): nine goals
- Alec Baer (Peoria): eight goals
- John Moncovich (Fayetteville): eight goals
- Jordan Ernst (Peoria): eight goals
Assist Leaders
- Nick Ford (Roanoke): 18 assists
- Weiland Parrish (Quad City): 11 assists
- Zach Wilkie (Peoria): 11 assists
- Taylor Brierley (Birmingham): 10 assists
Power Play Goal Leaders
- Jordan Ernst (Peoria): four power play goals
- Gustav Muller (Roanoke): four power play goals
- Jeremy Gervais (Huntsville): three power play goals
Shorthanded Goal Leaders
- Matt Wiesner (Pensacola): two shorthanded goals
- Michael McChesney (Peoria): two shorthanded goals
Players Taking the Shots
- Carson Vance (Knoxville): 67 shots
- Brendan Harrogate (Evansville): 62 shots
- Carson Rose (Birmingham): 60 shots
- Jack Jaunich (Huntsville): 60 shots
Leading Defensemen (Overall Points)
- Taylor Brierley (Birmingham): 13 points (3g, 10a)
- Carson Vance (Knoxville): 12 points (3g, 9a)
- Zach Wilkie (Peoria): 12 points (1g, 11a)
Shooting Percentage Leaders
- Austen Long (Fayetteville): 33.3% (4g on 12 shots)
- Matt Wiesner (Pensacola): 29.4% (5g on 17 shots)
- Austin Alger (Huntsville): 28.6% (6g on 21 shots)
- Reggie Millette (Fayetteville): 27.3% (3g on 11 shots)
- Giovanni Procopio (Huntsville): 26.3% (5g on 19 shots)
Top Three Standouts and Why
Nick Ford (Roanoke): Forward
Ford leads the league in points, showcasing his playmaking ability with numerous assists. His vision and passing skills make him a crucial asset for Roanoke.
Carson Rose (Birmingham): Forward
Rose is the top goal scorer, consistently finding the back of the net. His scoring prowess makes him a key offensive threat for Birmingham.
Taylor Brierley (Birmingham): Defenseman
Brierley is the leading defenseman in points, contributing both defensively and offensively. His balanced play is vital for Birmingham’s success.
First Goal With Team
The Special Teams Edge
Birmingham Bulls
Birmingham is excelling in special teams, leading the overall power play with a remarkable 35.1% success rate. A key player contributing to this success is Carson Rose, who is the top goal scorer with 13 goals. His ability to consistently find the back of the net makes him a crucial offensive threat for Birmingham. Additionally, Taylor Brierley, the leading defenseman in points, adds significant offensive support while maintaining strong defensive play.
Peoria Rivermen
Peoria stands out with a 24.6% power play success rate, ranking second overall. They also excel in penalty killing, especially on the road, with a 94.7% success rate. Nick Ford is a key player for Peoria, leading the league in points with 23 and showcasing his playmaking ability with 18 assists. His vision and passing skills are vital for Peoria’s offensive strategy.
Fayetteville Marksmen
Fayetteville boasts the best overall penalty killing record at 90.7%, demonstrating their defensive prowess. Their ability to effectively kill penalties has been a significant factor in their success this season. Key players for Fayetteville include those who contribute to their strong defensive unit, ensuring that the team remains resilient under pressure.
Huntsville Havoc
Huntsville is notable for their balanced performance, ranking fourth in both power play and penalty killing. Jack Jaunich is a standout player for Huntsville, making a significant impact in his second season with the team. His contributions on both ends of the ice, including his power play assists and overall points, make him a valuable asset to the team’s special teams success.
On A Streak
Player Streaks
Goals:
- Carson Rose (BHM): 4 games, 5 goals (11/22 -> …)
- Tommy Munichiello (RNK): 4 games, 4 goals (11/21 -> …)
- Jordan Ernst (PEO): 4 games, 4 goals (11/22 -> …)
Assists:
- Zach Wilkie (PEO): 4 games, 6 assists (11/22 -> …)
- Jack Jaunich (HSV): 3 games, 6 assists (11/27 -> …)
Points:
- Drake Glover (BHM): 5 games, 7 points (11/16 -> …)
Team Streaks
Winning Streaks:
- Peoria: 6 games (11/15 -> …)
- Pensacola: 2 games (11/29 -> …)
- Knoxville: 2 games (11/29 -> …)
- Roanoke: 2 games (11/27 -> …)
Home Winning Streaks:
- Knoxville: 5 games (11/15 -> …)
- Roanoke: 5 games (11/02 -> …)
- Peoria: 4 games (11/15 -> …)
Road Winning Streaks:
- Peoria: 4 games (10/29 -> …)
- Huntsville: 3 games (11/01 -> …)
Team Transactions (11/25-12/01)
Birmingham Bulls
The Birmingham Bulls made a significant move by signing defenseman Trevor Thurston to an SPC on November 29. Additionally, they placed forward Arkhip Ledziankou on a 14-day IR.
Evansville Thunderbolts
The Evansville Thunderbolts activated defenseman Brock Bartholomew from IR and signed forward Reid Perepeluk to a PTO on November 27. They also placed center Aiden Wagner on a 14-day IR on November 26.
Fayetteville Marksmen
The Fayetteville Marksmen loaned center Grant Loven to ECHL Adirondack on November 29.
Huntsville Havoc
The Huntsville Havoc placed defenseman Jeremy Gervais on a 14-day IR and signed center Dylan Stewart to an SPC on November 25.
Macon Mayhem
The Macon Mayhem loaned center Alex Cohen to ECHL Orlando and waived defenseman Greg Susinski on November 30. They also loaned center Jake Goldowski to ECHL Tulsa, suspended defenseman Amedeo Mastrangeli, and signed center Jake Raleigh to an SPC on November 26.
Pensacola Ice Flyers
The Pensacola Ice Flyers had a busy week, placing left wing Matt Wiesner on a 14-day IR and trading right wing Carson Gallagher to Roanoke on November 26. They also signed right wing Hugo Koch from Birmingham and right wing Blake Tosto to SPCs, and released left wing Natan Vertes from a PTO. On November 28, they loaned defenseman Cory Dennis to ECHL Orlando and signed defenseman Thomas McGuire to an SPC. They signed left wing Brendan Ronan to an SPC on November 27, waived left wing Curtis Hansen on December 1, and placed defenseman Troy Button on a 14-day IR while signing Hansen to an SPC on November 30.
Peoria Rivermen
The Peoria Rivermen waived goaltender Troy Kobryn on November 26. They signed left wings Cole Crowder and Garrett Devine to SPCs on November 25, and loaned Devine to ECHL Bloomington on November 29. They placed center Joseph Drapluk on a 14-day IR and signed him to an SPC on November 28. They also signed goaltender Nick Latinovich to an SPC on November 27.
Quad City Storm
The Quad City Storm placed right wing Cole Golka on a 30-day IR and defenseman Jake Maynard on a 14-day IR on November 25. They waived defenseman Thomas McGuire on the same day. On November 27, they signed defensemen Aaron Ryback and Severi Savijoki to SPCs, and activated left wing Houston Wilson from IR on November 29.
Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs placed defenseman Cory Doney on a 14-day IR and returned defenseman John MacDonald from ECHL Reading on November 25. They traded for right wing Carson Gallagher from Pensacola, placed left wing Gustav Muller and left wing Tobias Odjick on 14-day IRs, and activated defenseman Matt O’Dea from IR on November 29.
Suspensions (11/25-12/01)
Birmingham Bulls
Birmingham’s Ben Higgins was suspended for one game under Rule 28, Supplementary Discipline, due to his actions in Game 62 against Huntsville on November 28. Higgins received a minor penalty for boarding at 8:51 of the second period and missed Birmingham’s game against Huntsville on November 29.
Huntsville Havoc
Huntsville’s Charlie Risk was suspended for one game under Rule 28, Supplementary Discipline, following his actions in Game 66 against Birmingham on November 29. Risk was assessed a major penalty for boarding at 12:52 of the first period and will miss Huntsville’s game against Evansville on December 5. Additionally, Huntsville’s Benito Posa was suspended for three games for an unpenalized infraction of leaving the player’s bench during Game 62 against Birmingham on November 28. Posa missed the game against Birmingham on November 29 and will miss games against Evansville on December 5 and Peoria on December 6.
Knoxville Ice Bears
Knoxville’s Brendan Dowler was suspended for one game under Rule 28, Supplementary Discipline, due to his actions in Game 64 against Evansville on November 29. Dowler received a minor penalty for roughing at 13:52 of the third period and missed Knoxville’s game against Evansville on November 30.
Pensacola Ice Flyers
Pensacola’s Jake Hamilton was suspended for one game under Rule 28, Supplementary Discipline, following his actions in Game 56 against Peoria on November 23. Hamilton was assessed a game misconduct under Rule 23.4 at 4:45 of the second period and missed Pensacola’s game against Huntsville on November 27.
Quad City Storm
Quad City’s Michael Greco was suspended for one game under Rule 28, Supplementary Discipline, due to his actions in Game 55 against Evansville on November 23. Greco received a game misconduct under Rule 23.4 at 8:51 of the third period and missed Quad City’s game against Evansville on November 27.
Upcoming Games
Wednesday, December 4 – No games scheduled.
Thursday, December 5
- Evansville at Huntsville – 7:00 PM CST
- Pensacola at Birmingham – 7:05 PM CST
Friday, December 6
- Quad City at Fayetteville – 7:00 PM EST
- Evansville at Birmingham – 7:05 PM CST
- Roanoke at Knoxville – 8:05 PM EST
- Macon at Pensacola – 7:05 PM CST
- Huntsville at Peoria – 7:15 PM CST
Saturday, December 7
- Quad City at Fayetteville – 6:00 PM EST
- Huntsville at Evansville – 7:05 PM CST
Sunday, December 8
- Quad City at Fayetteville – 3:00 PM EST
Monday, December 9 – No games scheduled.
Tuesday, December 10 – No games scheduled.
What Lies Ahead for the SPHL (December 2-8)
As we look ahead to the week of December 2-8 in the SPHL, several key matchups will be crucial in shaping the standings. Huntsville, currently leading the league, will face off against Evansville and Peoria, aiming to extend their impressive streak. Peoria, close behind in second place, will also be looking to maintain their momentum with games against Quad City and Huntsville. Fayetteville, sitting in third, will host Quad City in back-to-back games, providing an opportunity to solidify their position. Knoxville, currently fourth, will take on Roanoke, another top contender, in a matchup that could have significant implications for both teams. These games promise to be exciting and pivotal as teams strive to climb the standings and secure their spots in the playoffs.
Huntsville appears to have the toughest schedule ahead, with three games in three days, including two on the road against strong opponents like Peoria and Evansville. This challenging stretch will test their resilience and ability to maintain their top position in the standings.
Be sure to check back regularly for all the exciting action, key matchups, and player highlights as the season progresses. Don’t miss out on any of the thrilling moments and pivotal games that will shape the standings.
