MOCS TAKE PENALTY-FILLED AFFAIR 7-3

MOCCASINS TAKE PENALTY-FILLED AFFAIR FROM RIVER DRAGONS 7-3

Teams Combine for Seven Goals, 32 Penalty Minutes in Third Period

A wild third period resulted in seven combined goals and 32 minutes in penalties as the Monroe Moccasins beat the Columbus River Dragons 7-3 on Friday night.

After Monroe staked itself to a 3-0 lead on goals by Helmer Oskarsson, Corey Cunningham and Scott Coash, Columbus finally broke through at 2:08 on a goal by Ryan Hunter to make it 3-1 early in the third.

The Mocs pushed back immediately, with Coash recording his second of the night at 3:35 followed by Cunningham’s second on the power play at 4:43 to stretch the lead to 5-1.

Columbus then recorded a pair of goals in nine seconds, the first a three-on-three goal from Nolan Slachetka followed by a four-on-four goal by Alexander Jmaeff to make it interesting once again at 5-3 with 9:20 to go in regulation.

The third was also marked by chippiness and penalties, and after Nathan Balkwill was given five for fighting and a game misconduct, Oskarsson scored his second of the night to push the game to 6-3. Blake Anderson then cemented the final score with a shorthanded goal into an empty net as Columbus attempted to rally late.

Notes:

• Jmaeff’s goal was his 100th pro and FPHL goal.

• Seven is the most goals given up by the River Dragons this season, and the highest goals against since a 7-2 loss to Carolina back on January 14, 2023.

• Preston Kugler recorded his first point of the year with an assist on Slachetka’s second period goal.

The same two teams go head-to-head tomorrow night at 7:05 pm on Teddy Bear Toss and Ugly Sweater Night! Tickets are on sale through the Civic Center Box Office and online at TicketMaster.com.