Black Bears Capitalize on Special Teams in 8-2 Win Over Dragons

COLUMBUS, GA – Following an edge-of-your-seat victory on Friday night, the Columbus River Dragons returned to the ice Saturday with a chance to secure a series sweep against the Binghamton Black Bears. However, Binghamton responded with a dominant offensive performance, converting four power-play opportunities and pulling away for an 8-2 victory to split the weekend series.

The opening period featured an energetic start from both sides, with physical play setting the tone early. Binghamton gradually took control of the pace, putting sustained pressure on goaltender Doug Wakelyn, who made his second consecutive start in as many days. The Black Bears broke through at 12:51 when Carter Jordan converted a feed from Ivan Bondarenko, firing a one-timer past Wakelyn following a turnover in the Dragons' defensive zone. Binghamton held a commanding 19-5 advantage in shots on goal into the first intermission with their 1-0 lead.

Binghamton carried its momentum into the second period, striking twice in the opening five minutes to extend its lead to 3-0. CJ Stubbs scored at 3:35 before Bondarenko added a power-play goal at 4:28. The Dragons responded at 8:15, as defenseman Lare Pahtayken joined the rush and finished a pass from Tyler Barrow to put Columbus on the board. The goal provided a spark for the Dragons, who generated additional pressure on Graham Burke in search of another breakthrough. However, Binghamton regained control late in the period, with Stubbs and Sam Dabrowski each finding the back of the net on the power play during the final 5:30. The Black Bears outshot Columbus 33-18 through 40 minutes and carried a 5-1 advantage into the third.

Nolan Egbert entered in relief of Wakelyn to begin the final period, making his River Dragons debut. Pahtayken struck again at 3:03, capitalizing on a rebound to record his second goal of the night and cut the deficit to 5-2. Despite the early response, the Black Bears quickly reestablished their control. Chance Gorman scored twice, at 6:38 and 12:26, before Dabrowski added his second goal of the game at 14:10 to close out the scoring. The third period also featured an increasingly physical finish, with the two teams combining for 34 penalty minutes. Binghamton finished with a 46-29 advantage in shots on goal.

The River Dragons fall to 1-3-0 on the season and will now turn their attention to a four-game road trip, beginning next Friday and Saturday against the Mid-South Monarchs at the Landers Center. Binghamton improves to 4-1-0 and returns to New York for a home-and-home series against the Danbury Hat Tricks next Friday and Saturday.