Hockey / Koepplinger Named SPHL Warrior Player of the Week

Koepplinger Named SPHL Warrior Player of the Week

Date:  Source: Macon Mayhem

 

Mayhem forward Josh Koepplinger has been named the Warrior Hockey Player of the Week, the SPHL announced yesterday afternoon.
 

“This is a huge accomplishment for Josh, and one that is well-deserved,” Mayhem Head Coach Leo Thomas said. “He’s been a really good spark for our club and has fit in nicely.”
 

The 24-year-old rookie made his professional debut on Thursday, February 28th when the Mayhem hosted the second-place Birmingham Bulls at the onset of a three-game home stand. Against arguably the top goaltender in the SPHL this season in Mavric Parks, Koepplinger scored his first pro goal just 5:37 into his first game. He ripped a power play strike over Parks’ shoulder from a severe angle, and would be the only player to solve the Birmingham net-minder all night.
 

On Friday, the Saginaw, MI native finished off a crisp pass fed his way by Jake Trask on a 2-on-1 to get the Mayhem on the board and level the score with the Fayetteville Marksmen early in the second period. In the closing stanza, he broke the stalemate with a one-timer from the right circle on a Macon power play. The goal would stand as the game-winner, and Koepplinger earned First Star of the Game honors.
 

Koepplinger (6’2, 200) exploded on Saturday night and spearheaded Macon’s epic third period onslaught. He continued his power play dominance by notching his first assist with the Mayhem on Derek Sutliffe’s goal 13:46 into the contest. In period three, Koepplinger added two more assists and two goals, clicking brilliantly on a line with Alternate Captains Trask and John Siemer. He became the first player in the history of the Macon Mayhem to register five points in a single game.
 

Adding Koepplinger to the mix has instantly rejuvenated Macon’s power play, which connected on 4-of-16 opportunities over a three-game span. He has transitioned seamlessly onto Macon’s top line, and has emerged as a budding star on the Mayhem’s horizon.
 

The Mayhem will head to the Crown Coliseum for a rematch with the Fayetteville Marksmen this weekend. Puck drops at 7:00 pm EST on Friday, March 8th and Saturday, March 9th. For ticket information regarding the Mayhem’s Military Appreciation weekend and more, click here.