Despite a series in which the FireAntz had won 7 of the previous 9 meetings, Roanoke had always presented a challenge for the FireAntz. They consistently had to fight for control of the offensive zone and get the Dawgs back on the heels when they were hanging around in close contests. Tuesday was not one of those nights as the FireAntz got on the board early on their way to a 4-1 win.

Just about three minutes into the game, a two on one chance developed for the FireAntz. Max Cook came streaking in from the right wing and fed it to Justin Hussar on his left, who made a brilliant move to lift to the puck past former Fayetteville backup James Kruger. Just over the halfway point in the period, Tayler Thompson added to his SPHL points lead with a goal off a great pass from Joe Kalisz.

Thompson would add his second goal in highlight reel style 6 minutes into the second period, managing to score from his belly to extend the FireAntz lead to three. It was Thompson's fourth multi goal game of the season, and the second time he's done so against Roanoke. Fayetteville's newest defenseman Brandon Lubin, acquired from Evansville, made it a 4-0 game as his slapshot from the right point easily went past Kruger with less than two minutes left in the second.

Mike Baker was the lone goal scorer in the third period, ending Sean Bonar's bid for a league leading fifth shutout. The victory has the FireAntz sitting a solid 4th in the SPHL standings with plenty more opportunities to take a crack at the top teams. This weekend, the team will have another three in three on the road as they square up against Huntsville twice followed by Columbus on Sunday. Join us for our next home game on March 11th against the Peoria Rivermen where we will celebrate Pucks for Paws Night presented by Systel, Banfield Pet Hospital and FAMPO.