Dawgs Pull Away Late to Defeat the Fayetteville Marksmen, 4–1 (2-14-26)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Lexi McKenzie-LMS Network/3780 Media Group
The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs leaned on a strong penalty kill, timely scoring, and a late offensive surge to secure a 4–1 win over the Fayetteville Marksmen in a physical, penalty-filled matchup.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Roanoke wasted little time getting on the board, striking just under two minutes into the game when Noah Finstrom buried the opener to give the Dawgs a 1–0 lead.
The remainder of the first period quickly turned into a parade to the penalty box. Finstrom was whistled for cross-checking shortly after his goal, but Roanoke’s penalty kill stood tall. The teams traded minors and scrums throughout the period, including a sequence that left the Dawgs shorthanded after Matt Dorsey was assessed extra roughing minutes. Despite multiple power-play opportunities for Fayetteville, Roanoke’s penalty kill held firm, preserving the 1–0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Dawgs Swing the Momentum
The second period opened with more penalty trouble for both sides. Roanoke nearly extended its lead early, but a goal was waved off after officials ruled the puck had been kicked into the net. Later in the period, while on the power play themselves, the Dawgs surrendered a short-handed goal to Sam Dabrowski, tying the game 1–1 and shifting momentum toward Fayetteville.
The physicality escalated from there. Multiple fights broke out, including one that resulted in ejections for Shane Murphy and Cole Crowder. Murphy’s game misconduct for cross-checking handed Roanoke a five-minute major power play, but the Marksmen penalty kill came up with a huge stand to keep the game tied. By the end of a chaotic middle frame filled with scrums, majors, and missed chances, the teams remained deadlocked at one goal apiece.
Dawgs Take Control Late
Roanoke opened the third by finishing off another penalty kill before settling into a tighter defensive rhythm. The breakthrough finally came with just under seven minutes remaining, when Bryce Martin found the back of the net to restore the Dawgs’ lead at 2–1.
Fayetteville pushed hard late, pulling its goalie for the extra attacker after another power play failed to convert. The gamble backfired. Andrew Harley fired home an empty-net goal from distance, and moments later David Novotny added another off a breakaway bounce pass — his first goal as a Rail Yard Dawg — to seal the 4–1 victory.
Final Thoughts
In a game defined by penalties and physical play, Roanoke’s penalty kill proved to be the difference, repeatedly shutting down Fayetteville’s opportunities while the offense capitalized late. The Dawgs’ discipline in key moments and their ability to finish down the stretch ultimately turned a tight contest into a convincing win.
