Often times when teams fall behind in games, their morale and spirit weakens. This was not the case Friday night as the UNC Wilmington club ice hockey team roared back from two down against the University of Georgia to defeat the Bulldogs 6-2.

Both teams were physical from the start. After an equal battle back and forth with both teams sharing similar amounts of puck possession, UGA scored first with a crisp shot in the side netting in the 15th minute. Hits were common and a five-minute crosscheck penalty was given to UNCW after a Bulldog player went down hard. The Bulldogs took advantage and scored again four minutes later to make the score 2-0 at the end of the period.

Visibly agitated by the late score, UNCW began the next session with a more attacking mindset. After several close shots that went just past the UGA goal, UNCW’s comeback was sparked by a memorable moment for Max Miller as he scored his first career goal off an assist from Jake Rennert and Alex Merry to make the score 2-1. This set off a flurry of four goals in eight minutes, including two by Merry. The Seahawks closed out the second period to make the score 4-2.

“The turning point was putting the first puck in the net and continuing from there,” said freshman Bill Frantz. “All we needed was to get a little momentum on our side.”

After a Zamboni break before the start of the third period, UNCW (3-4, 0-4 CAA) started the period with a quick goal by Rob Sprankle to push its lead to 5-2. As the period wore on, players from both squads were fighting for the puck. The Seahawks didn’t want to let up while the Bulldogs (3-5-1, 2-1 SEC) realized their losing situation. After several minutes of physical play, UNCW’s Ryan Beldham scored one more for the squad, making the score 6-2. This proved to be the final score as the Bulldogs were unable to create a comeback of their own.

“This game was the first time since the win over UCF that we played a total game of fast-paced, physical hockey,” said Frantz. “Everyone had good energy and we were winning the battles.”