Pensacola, Fla. – Fayetteville missed the mark this weekend as the Pensacola Ice Flyers showcased their grit, skill, and determination. Though they hit turbulence during Friday’s game and suffered a tough loss, the Ice Flyers triumphed on Saturday and Sunday, delivering a fan’s perfect weekend, furthering their position in the standings, and gaining tremendous momentum.
Friday: Flyers Battle to the Final Whistle
It all started on Friday night when the Pensacola Ice Flyers faced off against the Fayetteville Marksmen in a highly anticipated matchup. During the first period, Alex Wilkins found the back of Pensacola’s net for the Marksmen, which was answered by Pensacola’s Matt Wiesner, assisted by Cayden Cahill. Tied 1-1, the fans were anticipating some fierce, fast-paced, focused hockey. In the second period, the Ice Flyers took two unanswered shots, giving them a 3-1 lead. Coming into the third, the Ice Flyers hit their stride and activated the red light in Fayetteville’s net. Team captain Jake Hamilton was assisted by Cayden Cahill and answered first. Eimantas Noreika, assisted by Nick Pryce, tied the game 3-3, leading to a thrilling overtime. With tensions high, chants and cheers filled the Pensacola Bay Center. Though Pensacola’s Doug Elgstam got the action started, Fayetteville’s John Moncovich and Ryan Nolan finished the game with a win.
Coach Gary Graham spoke with Ice Flyers correspondent Bill Vilona, stating, “We haven’t played great on home ice; we want to reward the fans. Friday night (an OT shootout loss), I thought we deserved a better outcome. But we played well enough to get a point.”
Saturday: The Marksmen Take a Lickin’
During the annual Wiener Dog Race Night, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of 7,798 fans, the Fayetteville Marksmen found themselves facing an unexpected challenge from the Pensacola Ice Flyers. The Flyers’ execution and discipline were unmatched, setting them apart from anything we’ve seen this season. The crowd went wild when Michael Herrera scored a hat trick, and Pensacola added five more goals, sealing a dominant 7-1 victory.
But the fans weren’t just treated to a commanding win—they also witnessed a rare and unforgettable spectacle: a goalie fight. With tensions already running high, the game took a dramatic turn in the second period. Out of nowhere, both goaltenders met at center ice, dropped their gloves, and squared off. The crowd roared as punches flew—each goalie exchanging heavy blows, with neither backing down. The refs stepped in, but not before Pensacola’s Brody Claeys landed the final punch, sending Fayetteville’s goaltender to the ice. It was a moment of pure chaos and exhilaration, adding yet another unforgettable chapter to a remarkable night in Pensacola.
After both Claeys and Fayetteville’s Beaupit were escorted off the ice and handed misconduct penalties, Pensacola’s Cody Karpinski stepped in to finish out the game. Karpinski shut down every shot that came his way, allowing no goals to pass him for the remainder of the contest. With a current save percentage of .900, Karpinski has saved 99 of the 110 shots he’s faced so far this season, showcasing his consistent skill and ability to step up when called upon.
To cap off an already incredible Saturday evening, while his precious wife and children were in attendance, Ivan Bondarenko recorded his 170th assist. This moved him into third place on the Ice Flyers’ all-time points list, surpassing Adam Pawlick. A true fan favorite, Bondarenko’s passion, skill, unwavering kindness, and loyalty have earned him a cherished spot in the hearts of Pensacola faithful, who continually express their admiration and devotion to him.
Sunday: Simon Says, “Flyers Win”
By Sunday, the team’s energy remained unyielding as they capped off the weekend with another dominant and decisive performance. The game was fiercely contested, with a total of 32 penalty minutes handed out in just 60 minutes of play. Heading into the third period, with just 3:02 remaining and only one goal behind, Fayetteville called a timeout and opted to pull their goaltender. However, this last-ditch attempt to mount a comeback with an extra attacker was thwarted by the Ice Flyers’ unshakable resolve. Pensacola denied the Marksmen any opportunity to generate offensive pressure. As the clock ticked down, the Flyers added to the winning narrative they had been composing, with Tosto’s swift empty-net strike at the 2:44 mark. Then, Ivan Bondarenko, who had already made a major impact throughout the evening, sealed the deal with a picture-perfect empty-net goal of his own with only 48 seconds remaining, bringing the night to a fitting conclusion. His goal not only punctuated the victory but also underscored the team’s relentless drive to finish strong. Throughout the game, Pensacola put on quite a show, leaving fans with a memorable and well-earned 6-3 win.
Looking Ahead
After witnessing such unforgettable moments, Ice Flyers fans are buzzing with anticipation for the next showdown. The incredible energy, intensity, and passion on display this weekend have raised expectations to new heights, leaving everyone eager for even more high-octane action in the games to come. From electrifying plays to unforgettable team moments, the Flyers have proven they’re not just a team, but a force to be reckoned with. One thing is certain: Pensacola’s loyal fanbase is more fired up than ever, and with the momentum the team has built, continued victories seem inevitable as the Ice Flyers push forward with unwavering determination.
Photos courtesy of PHN Photojournalist Bill Kober
