Ice Flyers Rough Start Again Decisive In Series-Ending Loss To Macon Mayhem
February 9, 2025
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers faced another three-goal hole early into Saturday’s series finale against the Macon Mayhem.
This time, they could not produce any late-game suspense.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Mayhem twice answered the Ice Flyers brief points of momentum with insurance goals, then played tight defense in the final minutes to produce a 5-3 victory at the Pensacola Bay Center and claim both final meetings this season between the teams.
Saturday’s game attracted a crowd (5,619) that nearly filled every seat in the lower bowl for Toy Story Night with the Ice Flyers wearing custom designed purple jerseys to match the theme. There was also a live auction for game-worn jerseys following the game.
The back-to-back losses pushed the Ice Flyers four points behind Evansville and Birmingham for the last two playoff qualifying spots. The Ice Flyers (13-22, 5 OT losses) have 16 games remaining, eight apiece home and away.
With their wins, Macon (17-20, 3 OT losses) climbed from ninth to seventh place in the league standings.
After trailing 3-0 Friday night, closing to within a goal and failing to get an equalizer in the final minutes of 3-2 loss to Macon, the game Saturday began even rougher for the Ice Flyers.
They gave up three goals in the first nine minutes, forcing Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham to remove starting goaltender Brody Claeys for Cody Karpinski.
Only 28 seconds later, a jolt of good vibe occurred when Matt Wiesner poked in the puck through traffic to trim the deficit.
Macon then got the first goal of the second period to extend the lead, then a goal less than seven minutes into the third period to again answer an Ice Flyers lead-trimming score.
With more than three minutes left in the game, following a timeout, Graham pulled Karpinski for the extra attacker, but the Ice Flyers struggled with puck control in those closing minutes and were thwarted from getting numerous chances.
Pensacola played without team captain Jake Hamilton, suspended for his role in a fight Friday night. Also following last night’s game, winger Michael Herrera was placed on a 14-day injured list.
Once again the Ice Flyers managed more shots on goal (35-29), including an overwhelming edge in the second period (12-3), but could not generate more goals.
With the Bay Center transformed as the center venue for the ultra-popular Pensacon week, the Ice Flyers will travel to face the Birmingham Bulls next Friday and Saturday with an opportunity to close ground if they can win those back-to-back games.
They will then play Evansville at the Bay Center for three consecutive games the following week (Feb 21-23), so there are opportunities for this team to gain ground in a quest for a playoff spot.
Here’s a quick recap from Saturday.
FIRST PERIOD
The Ice Flyers struggled to gain puck possession following the opening faceoff and got pinned in their zone. That turned into Macon’s first goal just 2-minutes, 52 seconds into the game by Justin Kelly.
The Ice Flyers didn’t get their first shot on goal until nearly four minutes into the period.
The Mayhem then answered with two goals just 39 seconds apart to expand the lead and force the goaltender change.
Matt Wiesner’s goal put some energy back for the remainder of the period, following assists by teammates Greg Susinski and Jonathan Bartuccio-Pereira.
SECOND PERIOD
Sam Dabrowski converted a pass from Ivan Bondarenko with 5:13 left in the period to provide another lift. Bondarenko had massed on a backhand attempt as he swooped on net, but regained control of the puck on after circling the cage and found slid the puck to Dabrowski for ninth goal of the season.
Bondarenko and Wiesner then just missed converting on a two-on-one during a penalty kill situation, after the Ice Flyers were whistled for too many men on the ice.
Macon got called for the same penalty with 1:21 left, but the Ice Flyers couldn’t capitalize and Macon took intermission with a 4-2 lead.
THIRD PERIOD
Blake Tosto poked in puck amid traffic in front of the crease to cut the deficit to 4-3 with 17:57 left in the game and suddenly thoughts of comeback were returned.
But following a game timeout and a faceoff in the Macon zone, the Mayhem gained possession and Jake Goldowski scored the game’s biggest goal on a rush by flipping the puck past Karpinski with 13:10 left. It gave the Mayhem a two-goal edge they kept.
GAME NOTABLES
Following the game, many of the Ice Flyers players participated in a post-game skate with fans.
The jersey auctions and uniform design were popular with proceeds going to Covenant Care.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls
WHEN: Friday-Saturday (Feb. 14-15)
WHERE: Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, Alabama.
FHP Seeks Passenger That Fled Following Fatal Escambia County Crash
February 8, 2025
A fatal crash early Friday morning on Millview Road has left one man dead and authorities searching for answers.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 36-year-old Pensacola man was driving a Ford pickup north on Millview Road when the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a guardrail on the west shoulder. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries.
Investigators are now looking into the circumstances surrounding a passenger who fled the scene without rendering aid or notifying law enforcement.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or troopers at *FHP.
File photo.
One Developer Drops $45 Million Bid For OLF-8, Another Ups Offer To $50 Million
February 8, 2025
Friday, Beulah Town Center (BTC) withdrew their $45 million offer for the 540 acre OLF-8 property owned by Escambia County in Beulah, expressing disappointment with a 30 day negotiation period that was ending.
“After dedicating the past eight years to working toward an agreement for the purchase of OLF-8, we are disappointed that a resolution could not be reached. While we had hoped for a different outcome, we respect the County’s position and the process. Though this chapter is closing, we remain committed to pursuing meaningful opportunities that reflect our experience, expertise, and long-term vision,” Beulah Town Center managing member Chad Horne said in a letter Friday to Escambia County commissioners.”
During a Thursday night commission meeting, commissioners would not extend the negotiation period.
“We sincerely wish the County and the people of Beulah the best as they move forward. Our commitment to Escambia County remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success for years to come. We sincerely wish the County and the people of Beulah the best as they move forward. Our commitment to Escambia County remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success for years to come, Horne continued in BTC’s Friday letter.
Last month BOCC unanimously approved negotiations for 30 days with BTC, mandating that the DPZ Master Plan would be a deed restriction with 270 acres for light industrial, 61 acres for residential and 47 acres for a mixed use center.
After debate, commissioners voted 4-1 for a motion by District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger and seconded by District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry to complete the initial 30 day negotiation period with BTC, and then consider any other offers that come in. District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger cast the lone dissenting vote.
Ryan Bell and Beulah Ranch, LLC have upped their offer to $50 million for the property on West Nine Mile Road. A copy of a written offer from Beulah Ranch was not available from the county on Friday.
The county had received a $42.5 million offer from TRI-W Development, but the group walking out of an early January meeting, rescinding their offer.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Facing Multiple Drug Charges After Fleeing Traffic Stop
February 8, 2025
A Cantonment man is facing multiple drug charges after a traffic stop in Escambia County.
William Austin Thomann, 27, was charged with driving a motorcycle without a valid motorcycle endorsement, fleeing and eluding with disregard to public safety, failure to register a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled Substance without a prescription (fentanyl), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to pull Thomann over on Pensacola Boulevard for speeding and no license plate on his motorcycle. After Thomann ran stop signs and increased his speed, the deputy back off the pursuit. Deputies located the stalled motorcycle on Hansen Boulevard, at which point Thomann dropped the bike and fled on foot, according to an arrest report. He was captured at a nearby residence.
In Thomann’s backpack, deputies reported finding a bag of marijuana, two prescription bags of marijuana that weighed 3.5 grams, additional bags and containers of marijuana, a blue powder that field tested positive for methamphetamine with fentanyl.
He remained in the Escambia County Jail after his bond was revoked in an open weapon and drug possession case from last year.
Tate Aggies Slip To Milton, Finishing Season At District Runners-Up
February 8, 2025
The Tate Aggies are 6A District 1 runners-up after falling on the road to the Milton Panthers.
The Panthers dominated scoring in the first half, leading Tate 39-10 at the half. Despite a slow start, the Aggies found their rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring Milton 18-16.
But Tate just could not keep pace with Milton in the final period.
The Aggies finished their season at 17-10.
Pictured: The Tate Aggie home opener with a 71-68 win over the Atmore Blue Devils. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
North Beulah Neighborhood Cleanup Set For Wednesday
February 8, 2025
Residents of a portion of north Beulah can dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge during a Neighborhood Cleanup next Wednesday, February 12.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separated from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 6,915 tons (13,830,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.
Ernest Ward Eagles Triumph Over Bailey Bulldogs In Middle School Volleyball
February 8, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles soared to victory over the Bailey Middle School Bulldogs this week in middle school volleyball matchups.
In the JV game, the Eagles dominated with a straight-set win, taking the match 25-21, 25-12.
The varsity matchup was a nail-biter, with both teams battling hard. Ernest Ward claimed the first set 25-16, but Bailey fought back to take the second 25-21. In the decisive third set, the Eagles held their ground and secured the win 15-11, sealing their victory for the night.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Recap: Mayhem 3, Ice Flyers 2 (With Gallery)
February 8, 2025
Despite a hard-fought effort, the Ice Flyers fell short 3-2 to the Mayhem Friday night in the first of two weekend games.
The first period ended scoreless, with neither team finding the back of the net.
Macon’s Jarret Kup broke the deadlock early in the second period.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Midway through the second, Ice Flyers’ Jake Hamilton and Macon’s Jacob Schapps dropped the gloves, energizing the crowd.
Macon then took control as Jake Raleigh netted two power-play goals before the period’s end.
In the third period, Nick Pryce scored his third and fourth goals of the season to cut the Mayhem’s lead to one.
However, the Ice Flyers couldn’t complete the comeback in the final minutes.
Scoring Summary
First Period
MAC 0, PEN 0
No Scoring
Shots on goal: MAC 6, PEN 15
Second Period
MAC 1, PEN 0
1:39 Jarret Kup (5) – Unassisted
MAC 2, PEN 0
13:32 Jake Raleigh (5) – Yaroslav Yevdokimov, Jake Goldowski
MAC 3, PEN 0
17:14 Jake Raleigh (6) – Yaroslav Yvdokimov, Jake Goldowski
Shots on goal: MAC 7, PEN 11
Third Period
MAC 3, PEN 1
7:12 Nick Pryce (3) – Matt Wiesner
MAC 3, PEN 2
12:53 Nick Pryce (4) – Douglas Elgstam, Houston WIlson
Shots on goal: MAC 4, PEN 7
Total shots: MAC 17, PEN 33
Weight Limits Lowered On Kingsfield Road Bridge, And That’s A Problem For School Buses
February 7, 2025
New weight restrictions have been implemented on a West Kingfield Road bridge, and that’s going to have a big impact on school buses.
According to Escambia County, the weight limit on the bridge over Eleven Mile Creek has been temporarily reduced to the following:
- 13 tons for single unit (SU) truck (e.g., garbage truck)
- 19 tons for combination (C) truck (e.g., large moving truck)
- 25 tons for semi-tandem (ST-5) trucks (e.g., delivery truck with trailer)
The county said the bridge will be rehabilitated, and that is expected to take about 90 days, weather permitting.
School buses are rated at 15 tons, meaning that they can no longer cross the bridge, which is located between Tate High School to the east and Kingfield Elementary and Ransom Middle School to the west.
NorthEscambia.com has learned this will impact the majority of the buses from Tate and Ransom, plus a few of the buses from Pine Meadow Elementary, Pine Forest High, McArthur Elementary and Escambia Westgate. We are told that on any given school day, there are 139 bus trips across the bridge at least once a day, with some buses crossing the bridge up to eight times per day.
For some bus routes, detouring around the bridge will add 15 to 20 minutes to some bus route times.
The bridge, which has a woodrn support structure, was constructed in 1968.
Aldi VP Says Nine Mile Store Will Open ‘In The Spring’
February 7, 2025
For the first time, Aldi is providing a little more insight in the grand opening on their new store, a converted Winn Dixie, on Nine Mile Road.
In March 2024, the Germany-based Aldi completed the purchase of all Winn Dixie stores.
The former Winn-Dixie store located at 312 East Nine Mile Road closed for renovations in late September.
Thursday, Heather Moore, Loxley Division Vice President at ALDI told NorthEscambia.com that the store will open sometime in the spring. “We are excited to share that our store in Pensacola is expected to open this spring,” she said, promising updates as they are made available. A potential opening date posted online was not confirmed.
For the first time, however, the Nine Mile Road Aldi store is listed on the company’s website under “Grand Openings, New Grocery Stores Coming Soon”, but without a specific date.
In Escambia County, Aldi operates standalone stores on South Blue Angel Parkway and Mobile Highway. There is also a store in Pace.
Meanwhile, Aldi is not saying which, if any, other Winn Dixie stores in Escambia County will be converted to Aldi stores in the future.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
