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River Dragons Rally Past Black Bears, Snap Binghamton’s Three-Game Winning Streak October 23, 2026 | ||
Posted by: Bob Howard Credit: BinghamtonHockey.net | ||
October 23, 2026 – by Bob Howard
The loss drops the three-time Commissioner’s Cup champions to 3-1-0 on the season. With the Blue Ridge Bobcats winning their third consecutive game to begin the campaign, Binghamton slips to second place in the Atlantic Division based on winning percentage. Dominik Tmej made his third start of the season for Binghamton, while Douglas Wakelyn got the nod between the pipes for Columbus. First Period: Four Goal 1st Period Leave Teams Knotted After 20 MinutesBinghamton came out firing in the opening period, outshooting Columbus 20-6, but the River Dragons made their limited opportunities count as the teams combined for four goals. Chance Gorman opened the scoring at 12:45, putting the Black Bears ahead 1-0. Nick Cyprian and Scott Ramaekers picked up the assists on Gorman’s goal. Columbus answered at 15:12 when Kyle Moore found the back of the net off assists from Tyler Barrow and Alex Storjohann, tying the game at one. Just 16 seconds later, Storjohann turned from playmaker to goal scorer, giving the River Dragons a 2-1 lead at 15:28. Barrow collected his second assist of the period, with Jack Cullen also earning a helper. Binghamton responded late in the period. Brendan Doyle scored his first professional goal at 18:32, with Gehrett Sargis recording the assist to pull the Black Bears even at 2-2 heading into the first intermission. The only penalty of the period went to Columbus’ Connor Loft, who was called for slashing at 15:49. Despite Binghamton’s commanding 20-6 advantage in shots, the game remained tied. Second Period: After 40, Tied 3-3The Black Bears regained the lead at 8:51 when Gorman scored his second goal of the night on the power play. Ivan Bondarenko and Sam Dabrowski assisted on the goal, putting Binghamton ahead 3-2. Columbus answered on its own power play at 11:28. Moore scored his second goal of the game, with Yaroslav Yevdokimov and Barrow earning the assists to tie the contest at 3-3. The teams traded opportunities throughout the period, with Columbus holding an 11-10 edge in shots. Barrow was sent off for cross-checking at 8:32, followed by Ramaekers for interference at 10:28. Binghamton’s Jacob Hamilton was assessed a roughing minor at 20:00. Neither team could find another goal before the second intermission, leaving the game tied at three heading into the final period. Third Period: Penalty Shot & Empty Net Goal Sinks Black BearsThe decisive stretch came in the third, as Columbus scored twice to take control before Binghamton mounted a late push. At 12:40, the River Dragons were awarded a penalty shot after Gorman was called for tripping during a Columbus three-on-two rush. Gorman attempted to impede Yevdokimov on the developing break, resulting in the penalty shot. Yevdokimov converted the opportunity to put Columbus ahead 4-3. The River Dragons extended their lead at 18:46 when Tyler Barrow scored into the empty net, with Brodie Thornton and Connor Loft credited with the assists. The goal gave Columbus a 5-3 advantage late in the contest. Binghamton continued to battle with the extra attacker, and Sargis scoring his first of the season, brought the Black Bears within one at 19:23, scoring unassisted to make it 5-4. The comeback, however, ran out of time, as Columbus held on to snap Binghamton’s season-opening winning streak. Binghamton finished with a 41-29 advantage in shots on goal, including a dominant 20-shot first period, but Columbus capitalized on its opportunities to secure the victory. The two teams will meet again Saturday in Columbus, Georgia, in the second game of the weekend and the final meeting between the Black Bears and River Dragons this season. Binghamton will look to rebound and return to the win column before continuing its early-season schedule. |
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