The hockey season is in full swing, and the action is electrifying! Dive into the latest stats and highlights, from top point scorers and goal leaders to exceptional goaltenders. Discover the rising stars among rookies and defensemen, and see why scoring first is a game-changer.
Stay updated with the latest team transactions and roster moves. Get ready for an in-depth look at the dynamic world of SPHL hockey, packed with thrilling performances and crucial updates!
Division Standings
Comparison between Week 7 and Week 8 data for each team, listed by their current standings:
1. Huntsville
- Point Change: +6
- Win Percentage Change: +3.8%
- Goals For Change: +12
- Goals Against Change: +7
2. Fayetteville
- Point Change: +6
- Win Percentage Change: +5.6%
- Goals For Change: +12
- Goals Against Change: +9
3. Birmingham
- Point Change: +4
- Win Percentage Change: +4.6%
- Goals For Change: +6
- Goals Against Change: +3
4. Peoria
- Point Change: 0
- Win Percentage Change: -5.5%
- Goals For Change: +2
- Goals Against Change: +3
5. Knoxville
- Point Change: 0
- Win Percentage Change: -3.5%
- Goals For Change: +1
- Goals Against Change: +5
6. Roanoke
- Point Change: +2
- Win Percentage Change: +3.0%
- Goals For Change: +5
- Goals Against Change: +1
7. Evansville
- Point Change: 0
- Win Percentage Change: -7.4%
- Goals For Change: +7
- Goals Against Change: +12
8. Macon
- Point Change: +2
- Win Percentage Change: +4.0%
- Goals For Change: +2
- Goals Against Change: +1
9. Quad City
- Point Change: +1
- Win Percentage Change: -4.0%
- Goals For Change: +9
- Goals Against Change: +12
Last Week’s Games
- Thursday, December 5:
- Evansville 2 at Huntsville 5
- Pensacola 1 at Birmingham 3
- Friday, December 6:
- Quad City 3 at Fayetteville 4 (SO)
- Evansville 2 at Birmingham 3
- Roanoke 5 at Knoxville 1
- Macon 2 at Pensacola 1
- Huntsville 3 at Peoria 2
- Saturday, December 7:
- Quad City 3 at Fayetteville 4
- Huntsville 4 at Evansville 3
- Sunday, December 8:
- Quad City 3 at Fayetteville 4
Attendance Report
The current average attendance of the SPHL is 4,089.30 per game.
League Leaders
Summary of player performances by team (alphabetically listed):
Birmingham Bulls
- Carson Rose: Leads in goals with 15 and has a 7-game goal streak. Also has 8-game point streak and four game-winning goals.
- Taylor Brierley: Leads in power-play points with 10 and power-play assists with nine.
- Drake Glover: Leads in game-winning goals with four.
- Mitch Atkins: Leads in shootout goals with two and has a perfect shootout percentage of 100.0%.
Evansville Thunderbolts
- Matthew Hobbs: Second in penalty minutes with 53 PIM.
- Tyson Gilmour: Impressive rookie with 15 points (7G, 8A). Also has a 4-game assist streak.
- Brendan Harrogate: Tied for most shots with 71.
- Mike Gelatt: Leads in shorthanded assists with 2 and shorthanded points with tow.
Fayetteville Marksmen
- Austen Long: Highest shooting percentage at 31.3%.
- Ryan Nolan: Activated from IR, contributing to the team’s depth.
- Tyler Barrow: Has a 7-game assist streak.
- Nick Parody: Leads in plus-minus with a +13 rating.
Huntsville Havoc
- Jack Jaunich: Strong performer with 22 points (10G, 12A). Has a 15-game point streak and a 3-game goal streak.
- Austin Alger: Has a 5-game home goal streak.
- Noah Finstrom: Tied for most shots with 71.
Knoxville Ice Bears
- Carson Vance: Tied for most shots with 71.
- Mitch Atkins: Leads in shootout goals with two and has a perfect shootout percentage of 100.0%.
Macon Mayhem
- Dysen Skinner: Outstanding goaltender with a 0.956 save percentage.
- Zach Tyson: Impressive rookie with 11 points (7G, 4A).
Peoria Rivermen
- Jordan Ernst: Leads in power-play goals with five and has a 6-game goal streak.
- Zach Wilkie: Leads in power-play assists with nine and has a 7-game assist streak.
- Michael McChesney: Tied for shorthanded goals with two.
- Garrett Devine: Returned from ECHL Bloomington, adding depth to the team.
Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Matt Wiesner: Tied for shorthanded goals with two and shorthanded points with two.
- Greg Smith: Leads in shorthanded assists with two.
- Tim Faulkner: Perfect shootout percentage of 100.0%.
Quad City Storm
- Leif Mattson: Strong performer with 22 points (11G, 11A).
- Michael Greco: Leads in PIM streak with 31 PIM.
Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Nick Ford: Leads in assists with 18 and has a 13-game home assist streak.
- Gustav Muller: Strong rookie with 12 points (7G, 5A). Also has four power-play goals and 3 game-winning goals.
Goaltending Leaders (Based on 300+ minutes)
Dysen Skinner (Macon Mayhem) has been outstanding in his six games, playing a total of 313 minutes and 36 seconds. He has secured three wins and two losses, with 2 empty-net goals against and a shutout. Skinner has allowed only eight goals, resulting in an impressive goals-against average (GAA) of 1.53. He has faced 182 shots and made 174 saves, achieving a remarkable save percentage (SV%) of 0.956.
Colby Muise (Peoria Rivermen) has also been a standout performer, playing 11 games and logging 657 minutes and 30 seconds. He has recorded eight wins, with two losses, and 1one overtime loss, with two shutouts to his name. Muise has conceded 19 goals, giving him a GAA of 1.73. He has faced 280 shots and made 261 saves, resulting in a strong SV% of 0.932.
Brian Wilson (Huntsville Havoc) has been exceptional in his six games, with a total of 363 minutes and 45 seconds on the ice. He remains undefeated in regulation with five wins and one overtime loss. Wilson has allowed 11 goals, leading to a GAA of 1.81. He has faced 224 shots and made 213 saves, boasting an impressive SV% of 0.951.
Rookie Leaders
Tyson Gilmour (Evansville Thunderbolts) has been impressive in his rookie season, leading the points category with 15 points from seven goals and eight assists over 19 games. His consistent performance has made him a key player for the Thunderbolts.
Matt Allen (Huntsville Havoc) follows closely with 13 points, consisting of four goals and nine assists in 16 games. Allen’s playmaking abilities have significantly contributed to the Havoc’s offensive strategies.
Gustav Muller (Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs) has also made a strong impact, tallying 12 points from seven goals and five assists in just 12 games. His scoring prowess has been a valuable asset for the Rail Yard Dawgs.
Defenseman Leaders
Taylor Brierley (Birmingham Bulls) leads the defensemen with 14 points, coming from three goals and 11 assists over 15 games. Brierley’s ability to contribute offensively while maintaining solid defensive play has been crucial for the Bulls.
Zach Wilkie (Peoria Rivermen) is close behind with 13 points, including a goal and 12 assists in 14 games. Wilkie’s vision and passing skills have been instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities for the Rivermen.
Carson Vance (Knoxville Ice Bears) has also been a standout, recording 12 points from three goals and nine assists in 17 games. Vance’s all-around play has been a key factor in the Ice Bears’ defensive and offensive efforts.
Record When Scoring First
When it comes to the record when scoring first, the Knoxville Ice Bears lead with a perfect record, winning all 6 games in which they scored first, resulting in a 1.000 winning percentage. The Huntsville Havoc also have an impressive record, winning seven out of eight games with a 0.938 winning percentage. The Birmingham Bulls follow closely, winning 7 out of 9 games with a 0.889 winning percentage. Overall, teams that score first have a combined winning percentage of 0.735, highlighting the importance of getting the first goal in a game.
Special Teams Breakdown
Home Power Play Record
The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs hold the top spot for home power play performance, boasting a success rate of 29.0% with 9 power play goals scored from 31 chances across seven games. The Knoxville Ice Bears are not far behind, achieving a 27.3% success rate by netting nine power play goals on 33 attempts in only eight games. Completing the top three, the Fayetteville Marksmen have a success rate of 26.1%, scoring six power play goals from 23 opportunities over nine games.
Road Power Play Record
The Birmingham Bulls lead the road power play statistics with an impressive success rate of 47.4%, having scored nine power play goals from 19 chances across six games. In second place, the Quad City Storm boasts a 26.7% success rate, with eight power play goals achieved from 30 opportunities in ten games. The Peoria Rivermen follow closely in third, holding a 23.1% success rate, having netted six power play goals from 26 opportunities over five games.
Overall Power Play Record
The Birmingham Bulls hold the top position in the overall power play record, boasting a success rate of 32.6% with 15 power play goals achieved from 46 opportunities across 15 games. Following closely are the Peoria Rivermen, who have a success rate of 24.2%, scoring 16 power play goals on 66 opportunities in 14 games. In third place are the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs with a success rate of 23.2%, having netted 13 power play goals from 56 opportunities over 14 games.
Home Penalty Killing Record
The Pensacola Ice Flyers lead the home penalty-killing statistics with an impressive success rate of 88.9%, having permitted only two power play goals out of 18 chances over eight games. Following closely in second place are the Huntsville Havoc, boasting an 84.2% success rate, with six power play goals allowed from 38 opportunities in nine games. The Peoria Rivermen secure the third spot with an 84.1% success rate, having conceded seven power play goals on 44 chances across nine games.
Road Penalty Killing Record
The Peoria Rivermen hold the top spot for road penalty killing, boasting an impressive 94.7% success rate by allowing only one power play goal on 19 opportunities across five games. Following closely are the Fayetteville Marksmen, who have a 92.6% success rate, having conceded two power play goals on 27 opportunities in eight games. In third place are the Evansville Thunderbolts, with an 84.9% success rate, permitting eight power play goals on 53 opportunities over the course of 10 games.
Overall Penalty Killing Record
The Fayetteville Marksmen lead the overall penalty killing statistics with an impressive success rate of 87.8%, having allowed just six power play goals out of 49 chances in 17 games. Following closely are the Peoria Rivermen, who boast an 87.3% success rate, with eight power play goals conceded from 63 opportunities in 14 games. In third place are the Evansville Thunderbolts, achieving an 84.5% success rate, having allowed 13 power play goals on 84 opportunities over 19 games.
Shorthanded Goals For (SHGF)
The Peoria Rivermen lead in home shorthanded goals with 2 SHGF over nine games. The Fayetteville Marksmen, Pensacola Ice Flyers, Evansville Thunderbolts, Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, Quad City Storm, and Birmingham Bulls each have one shorthanded goal at home. On the road, the Huntsville Havoc and Pensacola Ice Flyers lead with one each, while no other teams have scored shorthanded goals on the road. Overall, the Peoria Rivermen and Pensacola Ice Flyers lead with two each. The Fayetteville Marksmen, Huntsville Havoc, Evansville Thunderbolts, Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, Quad City Storm, and Birmingham Bulls each have one overall.
Recent Team Transactions (12/02-12/08)
Birmingham Bulls
The Birmingham Bulls had a busy start to December. On December 3, 2024, Seth Benson (LW) was suspended by the team, and Trevor Thurston (D) was sent up to the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL). A couple of days later, on December 5, 2024, Hayden Ford (D) was activated from IR, adding some strength to their defensive lineup.
Evansville Thunderbolts
The Evansville Thunderbolts made several roster changes in early December. On December 7, 2024, Brock Bartholomew (D) was waived, and Reid Perepeluk (RW) was released from his PTO. On the same day, Aiden Wagner (C) was activated from IR, bringing more depth to their forward lines.
Fayetteville Marksmen
The Fayetteville Marksmen saw some significant movements on December 6, 2024. Mason Emoff (C) was placed on 14-day IR, while Ryan Nolan (RW) was activated from IR. Additionally, Elias Thompson (RW) was signed to an SPC..
Huntsville Havoc
The Huntsville Havoc were active in the trade market and managing injuries. On December 3, 2024, Doug Elgstam (LW) was traded to Pensacola, and Jeremy Gervais (D) was activated from IR. However, Terry Ryder (D) was placed on 14-day IR, impacting their defensive depth.
Knoxville Ice Bears
The Knoxville Ice Bears made several key moves on December 6, 2024. Phil Krawec (G) joined the team, and Sebastian Miedema (D) was activated from IR. Unfortunately, Tyler Williams (LW) was placed on 14-day IR, affecting their forward lineup.
Macon Mayhem
The Macon Mayhem were quite active in early December. On December 2, 2024, Brad Jenion (D) was placed on 14-day IR, and Brodie Thornton (D) was signed to an SPC. On December 3, 2024, they added Kyle Heitzner (C) and Dustin Perillat (D) to their roster. Later, on December 6, 2024, Thomas McGuire (D) was traded from Pensacola, further strengthening their defense.
Peoria Rivermen
The Peoria Rivermen made several roster adjustments. On December 2, 2024, Griffen Fox (C) was activated from IR. On December 3, 2024, Garrett Devine (LW) returned from the Bloomington Bison, while Zack Nazzarett (RW) was loaned to ECHL Worcester, impacting their forward depth.
Pensacola Ice Flyers
The Pensacola Ice Flyers were active in the trade and waiver markets. On December 2, 2024, Curtis Hansen (LW) was signed to an SPC. On December 4, 2024, Thomas McGuire (D) was traded to Macon, and Greg Susinski (D) was claimed off waivers, adjusting their defensive lineup.
Quad City Storm
The Quad City Storm made several notable transactions in early December. On December 2, 2024, the team waived Filip Hlavac (D), loaned Matt Ustaski (C) to Orlando, signed Jake Vaughan (RW) to an SPC, and also waived Mike Wilson (C). Moving to December 5, 2024, Roni Salmenkangas (G) was signed to an SPC, while Artyom Zhuk (LW) and Tyson Brouwer (G) were both placed on 14-day IR. Dillon Fournier (D) was activated from IR, Jake Maynard (D) transitioned from 14-day to 30-day IR, and Adam Oja (D) was signed to an SPC. Finally, on December 6, 2024, Savva Smirnov (RW) was signed to a PTO, enhancing their roster depth.
Fines and Suspensions
Evansville’s Jordan Simoneau was suspended for one game under Rule 28, Supplementary Discipline, for an unpenalized boarding infraction in Game 71, Evansville at Huntsville, played on Thursday, December 5. Simoneau missed Evansville’s game on Friday against Birmingham.
What Lies Ahead for the SPHL (December 9-15)
As we look ahead to the upcoming SPHL games, the excitement is palpable with potential twists and turns. Peoria, riding high on the performances of Jordan Ernst and Zach Wilkie, is expected to dominate their series against Macon, but don’t count out a surprise comeback from Macon, especially with goaltender Dysen Skinner’s impressive save percentage.
Huntsville, with their home advantage and current form, seems poised to edge out Fayetteville, yet Fayetteville’s Tyler Barrow, on a 7-game assist streak, could turn the tide. Quad City, led by the consistent Leif Mattson, is favored to win against Pensacola, but Pensacola’s shorthanded specialists Matt Wiesner and Greg Smith might have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Knoxville might have a slight edge over Roanoke, but with Nick Ford’s 13-game home assist streak, Roanoke could pull off an upset. Birmingham, featuring standout players like Carson Rose and Taylor Brierley, is expected to win against Evansville, though Evansville’s rookie Tyson Gilmour could be the wildcard.
Overall, these predictions underscore the thrilling and unpredictable nature of the upcoming SPHL games. Be sure to check back next week for all the exciting action, updates in the standings, key matchups, and player highlights. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement as the season unfolds!
Upcoming Games
Friday, December 13:
- Peoria at Macon – 7:00 PM EST
- Fayetteville at Huntsville – 7:00 PM CST
- Pensacola at Quad City – 7:10 PM CST
Saturday, December 14:
- Peoria at Macon – 6:00 PM EST
- Knoxville at Roanoke – 7:05 PM EST
- Fayetteville at Huntsville – 7:00 PM CST
- Birmingham at Evansville – 7:05 PM CST
- Pensacola at Quad City – 7:10 PM CST
Sunday, December 15:
- Peoria at Macon – 3:00 PM EST
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