AUGUSTA, GA – The Augusta RiverHawks ended a rare three-game losing streak in fine fashion on Friday, December 30 at the James Brown Arena by defeating the Fayetteville FireAntz 5-1. RiverHawks’ net minder Jon Olthuis was the star for Augusta, making 26 saves for his seventh win of the season. It was the first time since January of last season that the RiverHawks had strung together three straight losses, all of which came on the road. The keys to the victory for the RiverHawks, aside from Olthuis’ effort, were the special teams as the first three Augusta goals came on the power play and they denied all of the FireAntz’ chances with the man advantage. It looked like the RiverHawks might be lining up four losses in a row early in the game when the FireAntz got on the board first. Just over five minutes into the game, FireAntz defenseman Terry Watt fired a shot that was blocked before it got to Olthuis but it went straight onto the stick of Josh McQuade who fired it into the back of the net. The sloppy first period continued on for just over five minutes before the RiverHawks knotted the score. Jesse Echternach fired a shot from the point that way initially stopped by FireAntz’ goaltender Mike Brown but the rebound sat near the crease for too long. SPHL leading goal scorer Jim Gehring pounced on the loose puck and fired in his 24th goal of the season. The second period was one of the more entertaining stanzas of hockey that had been played at the James Brown Arena this season but it ended with neither team being able to beat the opposing goaltender. With the score tied at one goal apiece, the RiverHawks opened the flood gates in the third period. Just over two minutes in, forward Justin MacDonald skated off the side boards with the puck and fired a snapshot past Brown for his first goal since joining the RiverHawks five games ago. His goal would prove to be the game winner. The game stayed tight for twelve more minutes before Augusta took complete control. Aaron McGill, back in the lineup after being suspended for Thursday’s game in Knoxville, potted two more goals in the remaining minutes and Tyler Fernandez scored his first since joining the team to complete the scoring.
Fayetteville goalie Mike Brown (back center) tries to find the puck and Augusta%27s Matt Auffrey (20).
Augusta%27s Nick Wheeler (27%2C left) gets awa from Fayetteville defenseman Terry Watt along the boards.
Fayetteville%27s Josh McQuade (18) tried to avoid an oncoming RiverHawks defender.
Augusta goalie Jon Olthuis shows his flexibility%2C doing the split to make a save.
Augusta%27s Jim Gehring (14%2C right) watches as hi rebound shot beats Fayetteville goalie Mike Brown.
Fayetteville%27s Brett Needhan (41%2C left) and Augusta%27s Jon Olthuis follow an airborne puck.
Augusta%27s Aaron McGill (18%2C left) scores the first of his two third period goals.
Contact the photographer at stephanie.simpers@prohockeynews.com
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