Fayetteville FireAntz

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Weekend Recap: The Winning Continues

February 5, 2017
12:24 PM EST

After beginning the grueling month of February with a 4-1 win over the Columbus Cottonmouths, the FireAntz were in a prime position to gain ground in the SPHL standings. Going into the matchups with Evansville on Friday and Saturday, less than ten points seperated the 6th seeded FireAntz from the second place Macon Mayhem.

In the first game of the 2 day series, both teams struggled to find their offensive footing as the game was scoreless through the first two periods of play. Those 40 minutes weren't completely devoid of action as enforcers Brad Drobot and Al Graves squared up twice, earning them extended trips to the penalty boxes. 

In the third, Evansville opened the scoring when Dave Williams charged in and beat goaltender Sean Bonar. Fayetteville responded just 18 seconds later as Chris Porter picked up a brilliant pass in the low slot from Bobby Chaumont. The FireAntz offense would never look back from that point on as the reeled off 4 unanswered goals to get the win. 

Tensions also boiled over in the final minutes as Evansville goalie Tanner Milliron to a shot at Brad Drobot in front of the net. Cory Melkert jumped into the scramble earning him a misconduct along with Drobot for fighting back.

Saturday was Ladies Night in the Crown and the FireAntz brought out specialty purple jerseys to mark the occasion. The offense didn't have to wait 45 minutes as Bobby Chaumont scored 9 minutes into the first period, with Jake Hauswirth extended the lead with his SPHL leading 9th power play goal of the season. Former FireAntz defenseman Vytal Cote would get Evansville on the board just 1:07 before the end of the period with a fantastic point shot.

Max Cook had his first multi goal game of the season as the FireAntz pulled away later and got 4 points from a competitive Evansville team. The 6 straight wins have vaulted Fayetteville to withing just four points of the second place Macon Mayhem. Multiple Fayetteville players are carrying multi game points streaks with them into what will be another 3 in 3 series at home with Roanoke and Columbus being the opponents. Coach Jeff Bes still believed the team will need to focus on putting together a full 60 minutes, but with the wins rolling in it's all smiles for now.