Columbus, GA – The Columbus River Dragons hosted the Carolina Thunderbirds at home to conclude their 3-part series this weekend. After defeating the Thunderbirds Thursday in SO, and falling short of their rival in OT Friday, the River Dragons came home breathing fire for the 4,725 fans looking on at the Civic Center.
In the first period of regulation alone, the River Dragons’ Kyle Moore (3:55), Cody Wickline (4:58), Ryan Hunter (6:19), Alexander Jmaeff (11:24), and Justin MacDonald (15:36) all scored goals against a dazed and confused Carolina defense. Joseph Kennedy scored Carolina’s first, and ultimately, only goal of the game. The first period ended with the River Dragons ahead, 5-1.
In the second period, although the River Dragons were faced two Penalty Kill situations, the onslaught continued with goals scored by Wickline (13:56), MacDonald (17:56), and Alex Stojahann (19:02). The second period wrapped with the Thunderbirds trailing the River Dragons, 8-1.
The River Dragons gave fans the thrill of watching Cody Wickline achieve a hat trick goal at 3:26, followed by Jmaeff’s second of the night at 14:01 and Slachetka’s game-ending goal at 15:46. The game concluded with the River Dragons taking the regulation win, 11-1.
Our first Star of the Game was Cody Wickline, scoring 4 points and achieving a hat trick for the River Dragons.
The game’s second Star of the Game was Alexander Jmaeff, scoring two goals and an assist.
Our third Star of the Game was Breandan Colgan, finishing the night with a .937 SV% on 15 saves out of 16 shots on goal.
Tonight’s game also marked Josh Pietrantonio’s final regulation match in the FPHL. Pietrantonio, captain of the River Dragons, has been with the organization since its debut in the FPHL in 2019.
The River Dragons were also credited tonight as taking the record for the most regular season wins in Columbus Hockey history, passing Columbus’ preceding home team, the Columbus Cottonmouths.
The River Dragons will play again in Biloxi, Mississippi on Wednesday against the Mississippi Sea Wolves before hosting them in Columbus on Friday and Saturday.
The Thunderbirds set out to play in Port Huron’s barn on Friday before heading home to complete the first round of playoffs on Saturday and Sunday.
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