ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Gladiators Defeat Stingrays 5-3

March 29, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


DULUTH, Ga. - Jim Jackson scored twice in the third period to give the Gwinnett Gladiators a berth into the postseason with a 5-3 win over the South Carolina Stingrays before 3,357 fans at The Arena at Gwinnett Center.

South Carolina's loss, combined with Charlotte's 6-2 win over Pensacola drops the Stingrays into sixth place in the ECHL's South Division, two points behind Charlotte and Augusta, who was idle. The top five teams in the South Division advance to the postseason.

"We never quit," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "We gave it everything we had, but it wasn't meant to be. Now we have to win the next two games in Augusta. It's as simple as that."

Gwinnett (39-21-7, 85 points) got rolling on its league-leading power play at 5:54 of the opening period, as Jon Awe had his shot from the point tipped by Luke Erickson past goaltender Daren Machesney. Scott Mifsud also picked up an assist.

Gladiators made it 2-0 at the 7:29 mark. Brandon Kaleniecki deposited his fourth of the season from Mifsud and Erickson.

South Carolina (34-25-9, 77 points) thought a shot from Micheal Haley went into the Gwinnett cage at 15:03 of the first, but it was waved off by referee David Jones.

Just 17 seconds later, Mifsud buried his 26th of the year to make it 3-0 for the Gladiators. Helpers went to Erickson and Kaleniecki.

Stingrays got on the score board in the second period. Peter Szabo netted his 13th tally of the campaign at 10:02. Chris Chaput and Travis Morin garnered assists.

South Carolina forward Josh Anderson, only 36 seconds later, closed the margin to within one by scoring his seventh goal of the year from the slot from Nate Kiser and Matt Stefanishion.

In the third, Jackson gave Gwinnett its two-goal lead back again at 5:37 assisted by Kaleniecki and Jamie Milam.

Matt Reid pulled the Stingrays within one again at 10:56, swatting in his team-leading 28th goal of the year. Helpers went to Evan Schwabe and Haley.

Jackson deposited an empty-net tally to seal the deal with 1:02 left in regulation.

South Carolina finished 0-for-3 on the power play, while Gwinnett went 1-for-4 with the man advantage. Stingrays outshot the Gladiators 34-32.

The Stingrays remain on the road in Georgia for a 7:35 p.m. on Friday against the Augusta Lynx at James Brown Arena. Join the "Voice of the Stingrays" Mike Kelly on Real 1340 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.

South Carolina's final regular season home game, presented by Wendy's, is at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 versus the Texas Wildcatters at the North Charleston Coliseum. It's Fan Appreciation Night featuring a Team Photo Giveaway, presented by Wendy's. There is free parking and Sea Ray of Charleston is providing an opportunity to "Shoot for a Boat." In addition, Dunkin Donuts Million Dollar Chuck-A-Puck is taking place and there will be a drawing to win one Washington Capitals team-signed jersey. Plus members from the South Carolina Stingrays 1997 Kelly Cup team will also be in attendance along with the Kelly Cup.

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 March 29, 2007


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