Mayhem End 5-Year Playoff Drought, Bring Postseason Hockey Back to Macon

The Mayhem secured a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2021, ending a five-year playoff drought and bringing postseason hockey back to Central Georgia.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:49am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the intense movement and energy of a professional hockey game, with players' forms dissolving into dynamic brushstrokes.The Mayhem's return to the playoffs brings a surge of excitement and energy to the Macon community, as the team looks to end its championship drought.Macon Today

The Macon Mayhem have secured a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2021, ending a five-year playoff drought and bringing postseason hockey back to Central Georgia. The Mayhem will open the playoffs at home against the Peoria Rivermen, looking to build on a season defined by resilience and team chemistry.

Why it matters

The return of playoff hockey to Macon is a significant milestone for the community, as the sport continues to grow in popularity in the South. The Mayhem's success this season has helped shine a brighter spotlight on hockey in the region and inspired more young people to get involved in the game.

The details

The Mayhem battled through injuries and challenges throughout the season, but players say the chemistry off the ice translated directly to success on it. The team is excited to host the first round of the playoffs, giving them home-ice advantage in front of what they expect to be a loud and supportive crowd. The last time Macon lifted the President's Cup was in 2017, and current head coach Dave Pszenyczny was on the other side of that championship, playing for Peoria at the time.

  • The Mayhem secured a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2021.
  • The Mayhem open the playoffs at home against the Peoria Rivermen on April 10, 2026.

The players

Dave Pszenyczny

The head coach of the Macon Mayhem, who previously played for the Peoria Rivermen and won a championship against the Mayhem in 2017.

Alex Cohen

A forward for the Macon Mayhem, who is excited and proud of the team's accomplishment in making the playoffs after a five-year drought.

Josh Boyko

A player for the Macon Mayhem, who says the team's chemistry off the ice has translated to success on the ice and that the support from the Macon community has played a major role in the team's success.

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What they’re saying

“We're just a ragtag team that's going to play in-your-face hockey.”

— Dave Pszenyczny, Head Coach

“Really excited and really proud of this group. We've been through a lot of adversity this year, and to see us clinch the playoffs — no words can describe it.”

— Alex Cohen, Forward

“You know, we're really close off the ice just like we are on the ice. Making the playoffs was a goal from day one, and we accomplished that goal. Now it's on to the second part of it.”

— Josh Boyko, Player

What’s next

The Mayhem will host the Peoria Rivermen in the first round of the playoffs on April 10, 2026, looking to advance to the next round.

The takeaway

The Mayhem's return to the playoffs after a five-year drought is a significant accomplishment for the team and the Macon community. The players' resilience, team chemistry, and the support from local fans have all contributed to this success, which is helping to grow the sport of hockey in the South.