Columbus, GA –
The Columbus River Dragons lost in regulation against the Blue Ridge Bobcats, 3-2.
While allowing Josh Pietrantonio and Justin MacDonald an opportunity to rest, Nathan Balkwill and Jordan Popoff tallied two for the River Dragons, compared to the Bobcats’ three for the night.
Following the Columbus Legends game, including several former Columbus Cottonmouths and Columbus River Dragons stars, 3,724 fans looked on to see an aggressive contest between two hungry teams.
The first period saw a Bobcats-dominated effort, scoring twice in the first twenty minutes to draw the early lead over the River Dragons, but was riddled with several penalties against both teams.
Both the Bobcats and the River Dragons suffered a total of eight minutes in the penalty box.
Nathan Balkwill denied the Bobcats a first-period shutout, scoring on an assist by Alex Storjohann at 17:53.
The second period appeared to show the momentum beginning to shift in the River Dragons’ favor, holding the Bobcats scoreless while scoring their second goal of the night.
Blue Ridge was penalized for a total of 14 minutes in the second period for hooking (2 minute minor), tripping (2 minute minor) and twice for fighting (both 5 minute majors). Columbus also suffered 14 minutes-worth of penalties for boarding, hooking and fighting.
Jordan Popoff took a pass from Alex Storjohann and hammered a long-range shot past Owen Liskiewicz at 18:00 to end the second period, 2-2.
The Bobcats came screaming into the third period, scoring quickly at :52 to take the lead, in what would ultimately be the final point of the game.
The River Dragons suffered their first in-regulation loss at home this season, just one night after laying claim to the league and division Regular Season title.
The River Dragons will hit the road to play the Mississippi Sea Wolves tomorrow, while the Bobcats prepare to host the Watertown Wolves on Friday.
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