Fan participates in the National Anthem at prior to the puck drop at Macon Mayhem’s playoff game against the Peoria Rivermen on Thursday, April 9, 2026. (Emily Benelli)Macon Mayhem player Evan Beers (4) refreshes on the bench during the Mayhem’s playoff game against the Peoria Rivermen on Thursday, April 9th, 2026.Macon Mayhem players Parker Allison (22) and Tyler Stewart (6) focus in during a face-off at their playoff game against the Peoria Rivermen on Thursday, April 9th, 2026.Macon Mayhem players Conor Witherspoon (19) and Stefan Miklakos (15) warmup prior to the game against the Knoxville Icebears on Saturday, March 28th, 2026.Young fans lean against the glass as they watch Macon Mayhem players skate back onto the ice for the third period of their game on Friday, March 27, 2026.Macon Mayhem defenseman Noah Roitman (16) fist pumps fans as he leaves the ice after the first period during the game against the Knoxville Icebears at the Macon Colliseum on Friday, March 27, 2026.Macon Mayhem player Evan Beers (4) fights against the boards to gain control of the puck during the Mayhem’s game against the Knoxville Icebears at the Macon Colliseum on Friday, March 27th, 2026.Macon Mayhem player battles on the ice against Roanoke Railyard Dogs players during a game at the Macon Colliseum on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.Macon Mayhem player Matteo Ybarra (13) skates after Fayetteville Marksman player during a game at the Macon Colliseum on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2026.Macon Mayhem fan cheers for the team during the Mayhem’s game against the Birmingham Bulls at the Macon Colliseum on Saturday, March 7, 2026.Macon Mayhem goalie Josh Boyko (35) prepares for the player skate out prior to the Mayhem’s game against the Knoxville Icebears at the Macon Colliseum on Friday, March 27th, 2026.Macon Mayhem players fight for the puck against the Evansville Thunderbolts during their game at the Macon Colliseum on Sunday, March 8, 2026.Macon Mayhem goalie Josh Boyko (35) walks through the high-five tunnel prior to the Mayhem’s game against the Evansville Thunderbolts on Sunday, March 8, 2026.Specialty playoff puck sits at the merchandise stand in the Macon Colliseum on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
For seven months, I worked as a digital media intern for the Macon Mayhem southern professional hockey team. Through this experience, I learned how hockey is the ideal sport for a multimedia journalist, with many moments to capture.
The harsh lines of the ice contend with the brutality of the players, and the white contrasts with the action being photographed. The sounds of the game are crisp— perfect for audio design. The speed of the game creates an enthralling challenge for videographers trying to capture the feeling of fast paced game play.
But the most importantly, the teammates’ bonds grow stronger throughout the season. The strength of brotherhood is not only a storytelling opportunity for creatives, but it’s also a display of humanity within a ruthless sport.
