For Immediate Release:
February 11, 2017
DE MELO, RAIL YARD DAWGS BLANK MAYHEM, 3-0
Goaltender makes 37 saves for first shutout in franchise history
ROANOKE, VA – Ryan de Melo made 37 saves for the first shutout in franchise history and the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs defeated the Macon Mayhem, 3-0, Saturday night at the Berglund Center. The Dawgs earned the victory in front of 5,828 fans, the second-largest crowd of the season.
Macon peppered de Melo early and often, firing 18 shots on net in a scoreless first period. The Dawgs broke through just shy of the eight minute mark in the second period as Jackson Brewer intercepted a stretch pass on the forecheck. Brewer worked to the right wing and found Mike Moroso in the slot, who snapped a shot past Troy Passingham to put Roanoke on top.
The Rail Yard Dawgs added to the advantage later in the period while working on the power play. Daniel Vernace found Moroso on the left wing half wall. Moroso fired a pass to the point that Mitchell Mueller rammed toward the net. The one-timer deflected off a defenseman on its way through traffic and bounced into the net, extending the advantage to 2-0.
Meanwhile de Melo continued to baffle the Mayhem skaters. Macon pulled Passingham for an extra attacker late in the period but could not sneak one past the Roanoke netminder. With 20 seconds remaining, Vernace intercepted a pass and dropped it to Zach Tatrn who fired from his own blue line. The puck slid the length of the ice and found the empty net to extend the advantage to 3-0 and cement the victory.
Vernace finished with a pair of assists, Moroso had a goal and an assist and de Melo stopped 37 shots for the first shutout in franchise history. The Dawgs were out-shot by the Mayhem, 37-23.
Roanoke’s win improved its record to 13-18-5 while Macon dropped to 22-7-5 as it snapped a four-game winnings streak. The Rail Yard Dawgs and Mayhem will renew acquaintances on Sunday afternoon as Roanoke completes a stretch of three games in three days. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 PM at the Berglund Center.
2017-18 Rail Yard Dawgs season tickets are on sale now! Seats can be reserved by visiting the Rail Yard Dawgs office inside of the Berglund Center or over the phone at 540-344-3294.
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