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The FireAntz have been used to momentum being at a premium this season, but that still didn't stop them from winning two of the three games they had over the weekend. It all started on Friday against the Pensacola Ice Flyers where Jake Hauswirth gave Fayetteville the lead just 32 seconds in, continuing a multi game goal streak. Pensacola made it an even game just 29 seconds after that goal when Roger Tagoona had a rebound shot get past Sean Bonar.

At the very end of the first, Bryan Dallaire gave the Ice Flyers a 2-1 lead, but from that point on it was all FireAntz offensively. Joe Kalisz had one trickle past goaltender Matt Zenzola on the power play, then Hauswirth and the FireAntz newest player Christian Horn scored just 18 seconds apart. Zenzola was then replaced by John McLean between the pipes and Tayler Thompson iced the contest with an empty netter.

The next day, the FireAntz honored franchise goaltender Chad Collins with a jersey retirment ceremony. Despite a 3-2 loss, the FireAntz put up an effort worthy of the former player known as "Ironman". Like Friday, the scoring started early with Roger Tagoona less than 2 minutes into the opening period. Riley Spraggs then chased down a loose puck and made it 2-0 Ice Flyers, a score that would remain unchanged for most of the game.

Joe Harcharik and Chase Nieuwendyk scored in the final frame to cut down the lead, but it didn't matter as Pensacola salvaged two points. On Sunday, Fayetteville took to the road to face the Rail Yard Dawgs, who have provided some close and physical games against the Antz this season. Chase Nieuwendyk got the scoring started on a partial breakaway, continuing his hot start since returning from injury. 

As has been the theme on the weekend, the response was quick and just 16 seconds later it was 1-1 courtesy of Dmytro Babenko. Bobby Chaumont then picked up a puck in the slot and gave the FireAntz a 2-1 lead, concluded a period where 19 shots were fired on goalie Ryan de Melo. After a power play goal in the second tied the game, Jake Hauswirth responded 19 seconds later to give the FireAntz a lead again which they would keep towards the win. The second period also featured a combined 50 penalty minutes.

Fayetteville's next game will be January 26th at home against the Knoxville Ice Bears, a team that has defined tough play all season. We will also be having Autism Awareness night in the Crown with several groups making appearances to show support. Get your tickets and come out to see your team continue their run towards the playoffs!