Liberty University’s Men’s Division I Hockey team fell 6-3 to Drury University during Midnight Mayhem Oct. 23.
Fans packed the stands for the first sold-out Midnight Mayhem game of the season. Anticipation grew as the Flames took the ice.
Liberty started strong in the first period, winning the opening faceoff, which helped senior forward Mac Ratzlaff score within the first minute of the game.
Less than three minutes later, sophomore center Bronson Hunt scored the second goal for Liberty, giving the Flames a 2-0 lead.
The Panthers’ offense responded shortly after, scoring twice to tie the game with 15:20 remaining in the first period.
The Flames struggled to maintain their momentum going into the second period, repeatedly giving up possession of the puck after missed shots on goal.
Senior defenseman Luke Anderson made several strong plays to send the puck back down the ice and regain possession. Junior forward Zachary Nicholas scored, changing the score to 3-2.
The Panthers responded by scoring two goals, which put Drury in the lead, 4-3.
The third period began at 1:41 a.m., but the late hour had little impact on the crowd’s support.
The Flames struggled to regain their focus and overcome the Panthers’ lead. Drury scored again to start the final period and bring the score to 5-3.
Liberty was ultimately unable to close the gap. Drury secured the win with another goal and a final score of 6-3.
“Again, it’s a team effort,” Head Coach Kirk Handy said. “Coaches, players, we’re all going to be better tomorrow and try and bring a better effort.”
The series against Drury continued Saturday, Oct. 24, in the LaHaye Ice Center.
Potts is a sports reporter for The Liberty Champion.