Columbus, GA – 3,023 fans came out Friday night to welcome Justin MacDonald back to the active roster for the River Dragons in the first game of a weekend series against the Blue Ridge Bobcats resulting in a 7-4 River Dragons win at home.
The River Dragons dominated in the first frame of play, leading 3-0 after goals scored by Alex Storjohann, Kirk Underwood, and Ryan Hunter.
The second period showed the Bobcats clawing for an opportunity to strike back, and succeeded in taking away hopes for a shutout when Austin Bellefueille put Blue Ridge on the board at 5:20.
Ryan Hunter answered back for the River Dragons, reclaiming their 3-point lead over the Bobcats at 12:55. The second period ended with the River Dragons on top, 4-1.
Both teams exploded in the third period.
Austin Bellefeuille scored once for Blue Ridge at 5:19, and Nicolas McHugh scored twice at 7:02 and 10:24. Not to be outdone, Connor Lind and Alexander Jmaeff struck back for the River Dragons, making it 6-4.
At 15:03, Kyle Moore was called for Too Many Men, giving Blue Ridge the power play. Austin Daae managed to put it away for the River Dragons at 16:54, scoring a shorthanded goal and sealing the win against the Bobcats, 7-4.
Columbus will face off against Blue Ridge again tonight at the Columbus Civic Center at 7:05 pm.
– Photos by Toni Rae Hill
