Columbus, GA – The Columbus River Dragons claimed victory in the first game of Round 1 in the FPHL Commissioner’s Cup Playoffs’ Continental Division against the Athens Rock Lobsters, 7-4.
Kyle Moore gave the River Dragons an early 2-point lead over Athens in the first period.
Cody Wickline buried a backhanded shot past William Lavalliere to put Columbus ahead 3-0 before Daniil Glukharev fired back for Athens at 11:27.
The first frame ended with the River Dragons leading, 3-1.
The second frame was all out war.
Columbus saw goals by Alex Storjohann, Hunter Bersani, and Justin MacDonald.
Athens, not to be outdone, fought back fiercely. Andrew Stefura, Adam Oja, and Danill Glukharev each produced a goal, finishing the second period with a 2-point deficit behind the River Dragons, 6-4.
The final twenty minutes was a frenzy of action, producing two power play opportunities for the River Dragons.
The first power play at 14:29 did not result in a goal due to the high-pressure and solid positioning orchestrated by the Rock Lobsters.
The second power play at 17:25, however, resulted in an empty net goal by Alex Storjohann to seal the win for Columbus.
Game 1 of Round 1 in the Continental Division of the FPHL Commissioner’s Cup Playoffs ended in a River Dragons victory in regulation, 7-4.
Game 2 is set to take place on Friday in Athens. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
Photos by Toni Rae Hill
