ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Road Warriors Claw Past Solar Bears in Shootouts

Published on January 30, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Orlando, FL: Brendan Connolly's saucer pass to Marc-Olivier Vallerand tied the game with 1.1 seconds left and forced shootouts for a 4-3 Road Warriors' win.

Michael Neal opened the game's scoring halfway through the first period on the power play. It was the first of three Orlando goals scored with the man advantage. Neal scored his sixth of the year on a deflection from Alain Goulet's shot.

The second period was controlled by the Road Warriors. Lee Baldwin took a shot from far out that snuck by Patrick Killeen for his third of the year. This goal tied the game at one halfway through two period of play. Brandon Wong gave the Road Warriors a 2-1 lead as he scored his team leading 21st goal of the year. Wong intercepted a play in the Orlando zone and had a clean break on Killeen. The shot whistled past the Solar Bears' goalie on his blocker side. Greenville outshot Orlando 15-5 in the second period.

2:39 into the third period, Neal scored once again on the power play for his seventh of year and second of the game. The goal tied the game at two as more special teams opportunities continued to be handed out. Ryan Cruthers scored Orlando's third and final goal on the power play. It was another goal scored with traffic in front of Scott Stajcer. Cruthers' 15th of the year brought the Solar Bears back on top 3-2. The score would stand until 1.1 seconds left. Connolly made a backhand saucer pass to Vallerand to tie the game. Connolly extended his point streak to ten games with the assist.

Mike Marcou had the best opportunity to win the game in overtime with a one-timer. The shot picked the glove corner but Killeen made the save. Connolly scored the only goal in shootouts through the first four rounds. Chris Lawrence scored to tie the shootout in the final round. Jordie Johnston, who scored his first professional goal in Orlando on October 28th, had the last word as he scored to win the game 4-3. Stajcer won his seventh of the year with 27 saves. Killeen took the shootout loss with 36 saves. The Road Warriors have won both games this season in Orlando by forcing overtime in the closing seconds. On the October 28th game, Sean Berkstresser scored with 11 seconds remaining.

The Road Warriors return to action on Friday in Orlando at 7 p.m. The game can be heard live via America One or by clicking the listen live link on the team's homepage!

Fans can Be A Warrior for a great cause on February 14th against the Wheeling Nailers at 7 p.m. RED LEVEL TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $10 WITH $2 FROM EVERY TICKET GOING DIRECTLY TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. Any group that purchases 20 tickets or more will receive a Road Warriors hat for each member of their group.

Fans can purchase special Hockey with Heart tickets at GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com, by stopping by the BI-LO Center Box Office, or speaking directly with a Road Warriors Account Executive by calling 864-674-PUCK (7825)!

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ECHL Stories from January 30, 2013


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