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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Game Preview: Atlanta at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m.

March 12, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


THE MATCHUP

For the second straight evening, the South Carolina Stingrays host the Atlanta Gladiators. The Stingrays captured a 4-1 victory over Atlanta on home ice last night. Mark Dekanich stopped 26 shots, while the Stingrays got goals from Kelly Zajac, Stephan Vigier, Patrick Gaul and Jared Staal in a physical contest. The Stingrays are 5-3-0-0 this season versus Atlanta and play the Gladiators five more times including this evening's game.

SOUTH DIVISION LEADERS

Last night's victory, combined with Florida's loss to Greenville, moved the Stingrays to the top spot in the South Division. South Carolina is 8-1-1-0 in its past 10 games while the rest of the South Division has struggled recently. Tonight's opponent, Atlanta, is 3-6-1-0 in the past 10 games, while second place Florida is 4-5-0-1. Greenville is also 3-6-1-0 in the past 10 contests. Orlando is second to the Stingrays in the conference for recent play, holding a 5-3-1-1 record. Ten of the Stingrays remaining games are versus the South Division.

VIGIER HITS 20

Forward Stephan Vigier scored his 20th goal of the season last night, becoming the first Stingrays player to accomplish this feat this season. Vigier has set a career high with 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points this year. Last season, the Stingrays leading goal scorer was Derek DeBlois who notched 21 goals. Vigier might be the first to 20 goals, but he likely won't be the last. Forward Brett Cameron has 19 goals this season and David Pacan has 18.

PACAN'S CAREER YEAR

Forward David Pacan notched his 53rd point of the season last night, earning him a new career high in points in a season. During his rookie campaign with Cincinnati in 2012-13, Pacan notched 52 points (14 goals, 38 assists). This season, the Ottawa native has registered 18 goals and 35 assists to lead the Stingrays in points. Pacan also has registered at least one shot on goal in 44 straight games. The last time he was held without a shot was November 8.

BRICK WALLS

Opponents have a hard time scoring no matter which South Carolina goaltender is between the pipes this season. With a victory last night, netminder Mark Dekanich lowered his goals-against average to 2.09, good for fourth in the league. He is also fourth with a .928 save-percentage. Goaltending partner Vitek Vanecek has been equally as strong and is currently on a six-game win streak. Vanecek, a second round selection of the Washington Capitals in 2014, earned his second ECHL shutout on Thursday night, stopping 28 shots in a 4-0 win at Greenville. Vanecek is sixth in the league with a 2.13 goals-against average. Both netminders participated in Washington Capitals Training Camp prior to the season.

TONIGHT'S GAME

Atlanta Gladiators

(29-24-5-2, 65 points, 8th Eastern Conference, 3rd South Division)

VERSUS

South Carolina Stingrays

(35-18-5-2, 77 points, 3rd Eastern Conference, 1st South Division)

North Charleston Coliseum, 7:05 p.m.

WATCH/LISTEN MEDIA OPTIONS

WATCH: ECHL.tv

LISTEN: Mixlr.com/scstingrayshockey

TONIGHT'S PROMOTION

The first 1,000 kids ages 12 and under in the door for tonight's game will receive a Youth Stingrays Jersey presented by Hagemeyer North America and Liquid Box! Doors open for Season Ticket Holders at 5:30 p.m. and all fans at 6:00 p.m.

Check out the South Carolina Stingrays Statistics



ECHL Stories from March 12, 2016


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