COLUMBUS, GA — In a playoff clash packed with intensity and late-game drama, the Columbus River Dragons pushed to the edge but suffered a crushing 3–2 overtime loss to the Pee Dee IceCats Saturday night at the Columbus Civic Center.
The game erupted early when Pee Dee struck just 1:10 in, but Columbus answered with force. Ryan Hunter buried a power-play goal midway through the first, igniting the home crowd as the River Dragons took control, outshooting the IceCats 13–6 in the opening frame.
That momentum carried into the second period, where Brodie Thornton fired home the go-ahead goal at 3:03 to give Columbus a 2–1 lead. The River Dragons dictated the pace, swarming offensively and putting Pee Dee on its heels for much of the night.
But playoff hockey leaves no room for comfort.
Clinging to their lead in a tense third period, Columbus appeared moments away from victory—until the IceCats, with their goalie pulled, found the equalizer with just 25 seconds remaining. The late goal stunned the building and forced overtime.
In the extra period, both teams traded blows in a high-stakes battle. Goaltender Trevor Babin delivered under pressure, turning aside a barrage of chances. Still, at 11:50, Pee Dee broke through, ending the game in sudden fashion.
Now, everything comes down to one night.
The River Dragons and IceCats will meet again Sunday at 6:05 p.m. at the Columbus Civic Center in a true winner-take-all showdown. With both teams facing a must-win situation, the stakes couldn’t be higher—the victor will punch their ticket to play for the FPHL Commissioner’s Cup.
Photos by Toni Rae Hill
