Thunderbolts Fall Short in Weekend Matchup Against Macon Mayhem

Evansville Thunderbolts lose 3-2 to Macon Mayhem in Saturday night contest

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Evansville Thunderbolts fell just short of a weekend sweep, losing 3-2 to the Macon Mayhem on Saturday night. The Thunderbolts took early leads in the first period, but the Mayhem rallied to tie the game and then scored the game-winning goal in the second period.

Why it matters

The loss means the Thunderbolts settle for a weekend split with their division rival Macon Mayhem, missing out on a chance to gain ground in the standings. The tight matchup highlights the competitive nature of the league and the importance of each game down the stretch.

The details

Evansville grabbed the first lead of the game at 7:54 of the first period, as Jordan Simoneau scored. Macon tied it at 8:31, but Evansville went back ahead 2-1 at 13:50 on a goal by Scott Kirton. Macon tied it again on a power play goal at 16:24. In the second period, Macon's Matteo Ybarra scored the game-winner on a breakaway at the 4:53 mark. Late in the second, Evansville's Keanan Stewart was denied on a penalty shot.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Evansville took a 1-0 lead at 7:54 of the first period.
  • Macon tied the game at 1-1 at 8:31 of the first period.
  • Evansville regained the lead at 2-1 at 13:50 of the first period.
  • Macon tied the game again at 2-2 on a power play goal at 16:24 of the first period.
  • Macon scored the game-winning goal at 4:53 of the second period.

The players

Jordan Simoneau

Evansville Thunderbolts player who scored the first goal of the game.

Caleb Huffman

Macon Mayhem player who scored the first goal for his team to tie the game.

Scott Kirton

Evansville Thunderbolts player who scored the second goal to give his team a 2-1 lead.

Justin Kelley

Macon Mayhem player who scored the power play goal to tie the game at 2-2.

Matteo Ybarra

Macon Mayhem player who scored the game-winning goal in the second period.

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What’s next

The Thunderbolts and Mayhem will meet again on Saturday, March 8th at Ford Center, with Macon leading the regular season series 3-1.

The takeaway

This tight loss to their division rival Macon Mayhem highlights the competitive nature of the league and the importance of each game for the Thunderbolts as they look to gain ground in the standings down the stretch.