River Dragons slide fast with victory over Prowlers

Columbus, GA – The River Dragons broke a four-game losing streak by beating the Port Huron Prowlers Friday night 5-4.

The slow start affected both teams in the first period after the two teams traveled from Biloxi for the game the night before. The Prowlers overcame their first goal from Larri Vartianen in the 15:22 minute, giving the team a 1-0 lead, marking the only goal of this time. After 20 minutes of play, the number of shots on goal was only 8.

The second period saw a resurgent Columbus team take to the field early and often, with Austin Daae wasting no time to put the River Dragons up the table with a 0:41 equalizer, ending the game. match with a score of one. Just 24 seconds later, Jay Croop scored a goal of his own, hitting the top right corner assisted by MJ Graham and Jagger Williamson, giving the River Dragons a 2-1 lead of the night. Minutes later, Josh Pietrantonio added momentum with a 3:33 goal that slid off the field after a massive counter-attack by Cory Simons, giving Columbus a 3-1 lead.

Midway through the second half, Daae headed home for the second time of the night with a 10:44-minute lead to put the River Dragons up 4-1. The Prowlers came back near the end of the second half with a 16:42 goal from Larri Vartianen, scoring a 2-on-1 goal that marked his second game to take the game to 4-2 in Columbus’ favor.

The River Dragons’ defense dominated until the Prowlers exploded with Dalton Jay’s power play in the 8:51 minute to put the Prowlers in the net and make it 4-3 as Columbus still leading. Columbus thought they had restored a two-goal lead after a collision near the crossbar, but officials chased the target away for a high stick and in the same game, MJ Graham took it. a penalty at the same action.

As Port Huron’s power play backed to the ice with confidence, Zachary Fresura equalized for Port Huron with a breakthrough in the 11:09th minute to draw the game 4-4.

32 seconds after the Prowlers finished the game, Brad Nolan was completely left alone in the slot as part of a 3-vs-1 break and scored at 11:39 with the assist of MJ Graham and Jay Croop for the River Dragons. 5-4 lead and ultimately the goal of winning the game.

Jared Rutledge secured the win with 18 saves overnight, Cory Simons conceded after a busy night and 38 saves.

Two identical teams will participate in the third part of Saturday night 3 of 3 in the Civic Center. Pay 7:30 and get tickets at the Civic Center Box Office or on TicketMaster.
by Zak DeBeaussaert

Three stars of the game
Austin Daae
Brad Nolan
Larri Vartianen

Related