For Immediate Release:

October 20, 2017

DAWGS COME UP SHORT IN SEASON-OPENING LOSS TO FAYETTEVILLE, 4-3

Riley Spraggs nets two for Roanoke

ROANOKE, VA – The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs jumped out to a 3-1 lead thanks to two goals from Riley Spraggs but ultimately fell to the Fayetteville Marksmen, 4-3, Friday night at the Berglund Center. Roanoke dropped its first contest of the season and dropped to 0-1-0 on the season.

Fayetteville got on the board first just over three minutes into the opening frame. Sean Robertson threw a puck toward that net that Ryan de Melo stopped but left a rebound for Jake Wood. Wood chipped it into the net and the Marksmen took a 1-0 lead.

The Dawgs did not wait long to respond however as less than two minutes later, Ben Bauer hammered a shot from the point that went wide of the net but bounced back to Evan Schultz. Schultz was able to leave it back for Spraggs who fired a wrister past Peter Di Salvo, tying the game at one.

Later in the first the Dawgs killed off a penalty and Travis Armstrong bounded out of the penalty box. Roanoke controlled the play in the zone and Mike Moroso was able to find Chris Kravtchouk open at the point. He fired a shot that Armstrong was able to redirect past Di Salvo, pushing the Dawgs ahead, 2-1.

That lead would hold until the second when Spraggs found a loose puck on the left wing. He gathered and let loose a snapshot that found the back of the net, extending the lead to 3-1.

Fayetteville would then chip away however, first as the beneficiaries of a lucky bounce. Max Cook dumped the puck into the attacking zone as the Marksmen peeled off for a line change. It took an awkward bounce off the left wing boards and skittered toward de Melo’s net while the Roanoke goaltender looked over his shoulder. The puck rolled past his pad and the lead shrunk to one.

Later in the period Sean Robertson took a pass at the point and fired a shot toward de Melo’s net. The puck appeared to redirect as it found its way past de Melo, tying the game at three.

In the latter stages of the final period, Joe Sova was called for a tripping penalty and the Marksmen went on the power play for the sixth time in the game. Roanoke had killed off the previous five but was unable to stop the sixth as Jake Hauswirth sent a pass in front that Kyle McNeil was able to deflect into the net for the eventual game-winning goal.

Spraggs finished with two goals, Schultz chipped in two assists and Hauswirth had three helpers for the Marksmen. Fayetteville outshot the Rail Yard Dawgs, 38-23 and de Melo took the loss with 34 saves.

The Rail Yard Dawgs will return to action on the road on Friday night against the Macon Mayhem. Puck drop in Georgia is scheduled for 7:35 PM.

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Contact:

Brian Gardner – Broadcasting and Media Relations Manager

broadcaster@railyarddawgs.com

540-344-3294