February 8, 2021
Mavericks Fall to Vengeance
GAME RECAPS
The Mavericks faced off against the 12th ranked Pittsburgh Vengeance this past weekend in a home-and-home series. After battling hard in two close contests, the Mavericks fell just short in both games. The weekend kicked off with a home game on Friday night at OhioHealth Chiller North. While the Vengeance would score early in first period, the opening 20 minutes would ultimately be an even match, with both teams mounting scoring attempts. Pittsburgh would again open the scoring in the second period; however, the Mavericks would answer back at the 10:31 mark with a goal by Ethan Bishara, assisted by Hayden Ripley. After numerous scoring changes on both sides, the teams would head into the second intermission, at a score of 2-1. Looking to even the score, the Mavs came out firing on all cylinders in the third period. The Vengeance net minder would stand strong, and Pittsburgh would score their third goal of the night at the 14 minute mark. The Mavs continued to battle hard, with just under two minutes left, pulled the goalie to add an extra attacker. The Vengeance would ultimately score an empty net goal to seal their 4-1 victory. Zach Waizmann got the start in goal and had a strong showing, stopping 36 of 39 shots on the night. The Mavericks traveled to Pittsburgh’s Alpha Ice Complex on Saturday night, looking to bounce back and even the weekend series. Pittsburgh would again jump out to an early lead, scoring two goals in the first period. Looking to mount a comeback, the Mavericks’ Noah Staten would close the gap with a goal at the 6:57 mark, assisted by George Zimmerer and Jack Bortle. The Vengeance; however, would respond before the end of the period to regain a two-goal lead. A physical third period would see a number of scoring chances, but no goals as the Vengeance would go on to win by a final score of 3-1. Tyler Dorion got the nod between the pipes and turned away 29 of 32 shots in the contest. The Mavs are back in action this weekend with a home-and-home series against in-state rivals, the Wooster Oilers, starting with a home game on Friday, February 12th at OhioHealth Chiller North. Face-off is at 8:00 PM and you can purchase your tickets by clicking <span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="font-weight:bold"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><a href=https://www.columbusmavericks.com/events/columbus-mavericks-vs-wooster-oilers-february-12th target=undefined>HERE</a>.
Dickie Dunn
by