The Macon Mayhem lost to the Athens Rock Lobsters 3–2 in overtime on October 10 in Athens, Georgia. Cory Liu’s third-period power-play goal tied the score before Connor Galloway supplied the overtime winner for Athens. The exhibition was Macon’s only preseason game before its SPHL schedule begins.
Brandon Stojcevski scored Macon’s first goal on the power play after Athens took an early lead. The Rock Lobsters moved back in front during the second period, and Liu answered at 4:07 of the third. Macon finished two-for-four on the power play and killed each of its penalties, according to the team’s recap.
The Mayhem used three goaltenders as part of their preseason plan. Josh Boyko started before Dominic Basse and Sebastian Resar received work later in the game. Athens outshot Macon 38–28, giving the staff another element to evaluate alongside the special teams results.
Boyko returned to Macon for a fifth season through a September 30 announcement. The team credited him with 20 wins, a .918 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average during his previous season. His presence gives the goaltending group an experienced player as the Mayhem move into games that count in the standings.
Macon’s October roster work also included signing veteran forward Kevin Szabad and defenseman Dylan Dreveny. The additions formed part of the team’s camp preparation under head coach Dave Pszenyczny. The exhibition gives that preparation a concrete game to review before regular-season assignments become established.
The Mayhem return to Athens for their October 16 season opener at 7:05 p.m. Eastern. Macon’s home opener is scheduled for October 24 against the Birmingham Bulls at 6 p.m. at the Macon Coliseum. The July schedule announcement identified the Athens opener as the Rock Lobsters’ first SPHL game as the league expands its schedule to 60 games.
GSB Take
Macon’s special teams supplied a useful positive from the preseason loss. The larger concern is reducing the amount of pressure its goaltenders face after Athens held a 10-shot advantage. The Mayhem have an immediate chance to apply those lessons when the same opponent appears on opening night.