Columbus, GA – The Columbus River Dragons started their weekend series at home versus the Pee Dee Ice Cats with a furious hunger to give the fans a win during their 2025-26 home opener.
The first period was pretty even, each team serving more than ten penalty minutes, allowing Ryan Hunter (River Dragons) and Patriks Marcinkevics (Ice Cats) opportunities to score power play goals. At the close of the first frame, the game remained even, 1-1.
Columbus remained on the attack in the second period, serving three two-minute penalties for roughing, but also producing two goals. Colin Ratt and Joel Texmo built a two-point lead for the River Dragons, closing 40 minutes of hockey ahead of Pee Dee, 3-1.
Columbus exploded in the final twenty minutes of regulation. Ryan Hunter and Tyler Barrow each buried one, diminishing any comeback opportunities the Ice Cats may have hoped for. The game ended in regulation in favor of the River Dragons, 5-3.
All of Pee Dee’s goals tonight were scored on the power play – Patriks Marcinkevics at 4:10 in the first and 19:59 in the third, and Trevor Lord at 1:06 in the third.
Tyler Roy produced an 87.5 SV%, saving 21 out of 24 SOG for Columbus.
Ryan Hunter earned the game’s first star of the game, producing two goals.
Tyler Barrow earned the game’s second star, with two assists and one goal.
Broadie Thornton claimed the night’s third star after producing two assists in tonight’s matchup.
The River Dragons remain at home Sunday to finish their weekend versus the Biloxi Breakers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
Photos by Toni Rae Hill
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