Macon Mayhem selects players in SPHL expansion draft

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – In less than six months, hockey returns to middle Georgia in the form of the Macon Mayhem.

To give the Mayhem a jump start in the Southern Professional Hockey League, the team was allowed to add six players to its protected list who played last season in the SPHL. The players aren’t required to sign with the Mayhem but won’t be allowed to play elsewhere if they choose to play in the league, according to team president Mark Richards.

The picks include three defensemen, a goaltender and two left wings.

“It’s a good balance and core of players to start with,” Richards says. “We’re excited about the chance to have these players playing for the Mayhem.”

The Mayhem is allowed to begin camp with 30 players, but the roster will be trimmed to 20 before the start of the season in late October.

Mayhem Expansion Draft Selections:

Steve Bergin, Pensacola Ice Flyers, Defense, 5’11”, 185 lbs

Jason Cohen, Peoria Rivermen, Defense, 6’1″, 190 lbs

Mark Corbett, Knoxville Ice Bears, Defense, 6’3″, 205 lbs

John McLean, Pensacola Ice Flyers, Goaltender, 6’9″, 210 lbs

Ryan Salvis, Knoxville Ice Bears, Left Wing, 6’0″, 200 lbs

Matt Whitehead, Mississippi RiverKings, Left Wing, 5’6″, 180 lbs

Salvis has played for three straight SPHL championship teams, including Knoxville (2015) and Pensacola (2013, 2014). Whitehead played for the 2015 runner-up RiverKings and Cohen played for Peoria, which won the 2015 William Coffey Trophy after claiming the league’s regular season title.

For more information, call the Mayhem at 803-1592 or visit maconmayhem.com.