Columbus, GA – The Columbus River Dragons are back on the winning streak, pulling out the victory at home against the Twin City Thunderbirds in overtime, 4-3.
The first period went scoreless. Tyler Roy, in the net for the River Dragons, managed to block all 13 shots taken by the Thunderbirds. Boris Babik also managed a shutout period, blocking all seven attempts on the goal by Columbus.
Although the frame went scoreless, the Thunderbirds traded penalties with the River Dragons. Columbus served two minor penalties – Tyler Barrow was called for slashing at 9:44 and Kyle Moore served a two-minute bench minor for Too Many Men at 18:06.
The Thunderbirds’ Joseph Kennedy served two minutes for Hooking, and Jacob Schnapp went to the box for Interference at 18:51.
The second frame kicked off with Kyle Moore in the box for Columbus and Jacob Schnapp serving the remainder of his Interference penalty for the Thunderbirds.
Twin City’s Josh Labelle fired first, squeezing one past the River Dragons’ Tyler Roy, to take the lead at 2:54.
Columbus struck back at 14:04, with Alexander Jmaeff tying the game on an assist by Benjamin Pizzimenti.
109 seconds before closing the second period, Kalib Ford was penalized for tripping, allowing the River Dragons a power play opportunity.
With 23 seconds remaining in the frame, Ryan Galvin scored the PPG for Columbus, taking the lead over Twin City, 2-1.
Jon Buttitta was hit with a two-minute minor for Unsportsmanlike Conduct at the conclusion of the play, allowing the River Dragons to begin the third frame on the power play, but Columbus couldn’t capitalize.
At 15:39 in the third period, Jiri Pestuka erased the River Dragons’ lead, tying the game at 2-2.
With 2:21 remaining in regulation, Kalib Ford produced a goal for Twin City, forcing the River Dragons to pull Tyler Roy from the net to get the 6-on-5 advantage.
With only ten seconds remaining, Kyle Moore tied the game, forcing overtime.
4:17 into the 5-minute overtime period, Ryan Hunter drilled one into the net, sealing the night’s victory for the River Dragons.
Tyler Barrow and Ryan Hunter both managed another multi-point performance. Ryan Hunter produced an assist in the second period and scored the game-winning goal in overtime. Barrow, although unable to score a goal, managed two assists.
The Twin City Thunderbirds will remain in Columbus tomorrow to battle the River Dragons at the Columbus Civic Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
Photos by Toni Rae Hill
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