ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Everblades Defeat Stingrays 4-1

February 18, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - Vince Bellissimo and Derek Damon scored two goals each to lead the Florida Everblades to a 4-1 victory over the South Carolina Stingrays, who suffered their first regulation loss since December 16, in front of 5,006 fans at the North Charleston Coliseum.

"We got off to a bad start and never recovered," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "They scored on their opportunities and we didn't give our goaltending much support. No one deserves the blame for this loss. We have to look forward to get back on track with four more divisional games this week."

Florida (32-15-2, 66 points) hit stride on the power play at the 1:45 mark of the first period. Vince Bellissimo extended his point streak to seven games by notching his 17th goal of the season beating goaltender Daren Machesney. Assists went to Franklin MacDonald and Ryan Brindley.

Everblades made it 2-0 by converting on a 2-on-1 break. Derek Damon finished off the passing play from Dustin Johner to tally his ninth goal of the season at 7:48.

Still in the first, Bellissimo netted his second of the game and fourth goal in the last two days at 18:50 to boost Florida's lead to 3-0. Brad Parsons and Adam Taylor garnered helpers.

Damon registered an unassisted goal in the second period for his second of the game and 10th of the campaign at 4:08 to give the Everblades a commanding 4-0 lead. As a result of that goal, Machesney was taken out of the game in favor of Davis Parley, who made 18 saves and didn't allow a goal the rest of the way.

South Carolina (26-19-5, 57 points) solved goaltender Craig Kowalski on the 25th shot of the game. Cam McCaffrey buried his 10th goal of the year at 9:39 from Josh Anderson and Jarrett Konkle.

South Carolina was unable to score on six power play chances, while Florida went 1-for-9. Stingrays outshot the Everblades 30-29.

South Carolina takes to the road for a 7:35 p.m. on Tuesday against the Augusta Lynx at James Brown Arena. Listen live with Mike Kelly, "Voice of the Stingrays" on ESPN Radio 910 The Team and online at www.stingrayshockey.com beginning at 7:20 p.m. with the Benito's Pregame Show. Watch the game live on the web telecast for $6 each at www.stingrayshockey.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

The Stingrays next home game is at 7:05 p.m. on Friday versus the Charlotte Checkers. It's Family Fun Friday featuring four tickets, four hotdogs, four sodas and a program for $44. Advance Auto Parts also presents "Hit the Road with the Rays" which offers a chance to win an all expenses paid trip with the team for a road game.

Don't miss the fast-paced, action-packed, family affordable fun! Purchase your flex tickets today. You pick the games; you pocket the savings! For more information call (843) 744-2248 to speak to a ticket sales manager.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (843) 554-6060 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Discounted groups tickets, birthday packages, Kids Club information and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (843) 744-2248 or by visiting online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

Check out the South Carolina Stingrays Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 18, 2007


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