For Immediate Release:
October 19, 2018
DAWGS FALL TO MARKSMEN IN SEASON OPENER, 2-1
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Brian Rowland scored a shorthanded goal and Brad Barone made 28 saves but the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs fell to the Fayetteville Marksmen on SPHL opening night, 2-1, Friday night at the Crown Coliseum.
Roanoke got the scoring started early in the first. While working shorthanded, Eric Witzel muscled the puck into the neutral zone and sprung Steve Mele and Rowland for a two-on-one rush. Mele carried it deep and saucered a pass to Rowland who stuffed the one-timer short side past Dillon Kelley to put the Dawgs on top.
Rowland’s goal was the first of the season in the SPHL and the first of his pro career.
The Rail Yard Dawgs held onto that 1-0 lead until the final minute of the second period. Jake Hauswirth found a bouncing puck loose in the slot and fired it toward the Roanoke net. The shot navigated the bodies in front and snuck past a screened Barone to tie the game at one.
Fayetteville managed the difference-making goal while working on a power play late in the third. With just over three minutes to play in regulation, Travis Jeke walked the puck toward the net and shot a backhander that Barone stopped. Roanoke could not clear the rebound however as David Mazurek swooped in to stuff it home and put the Marksmen on top.
The Dawgs pulled Barone for an extra attacker with 1:32 on the clock but could not manage the equalizer as they fell, 2-1.
Barone made 28 saves on 30 shots, Rowland scored and Mele and Witzel each had an assist. Hauswirth led the Marksmen offense with a goal and an assist and Kelley made 29 saves on 30 shots.
The Rail Yard Dawgs fell to 0-1-0 while Fayetteville improved to 1-0-0. Roanoke will head back home on Saturday for Opening Night presented by Haley Toyota with WROV. Puck drop against the Knoxville Ice Bears is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Air time on the Haley Toyota Rail Yard Dawgs Hockey Network is set for 6:50 PM.
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