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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Gladiators Double Stingrays 4-2 In Season Opener

October 20, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


DULUTH, Ga. - Brad Schell netted two goals and notched two assists to lead the Gwinnett Gladiators to a 4-2 victory over the South Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL season opener for both teams at Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at The Arena at Gwinnett Center.

"That was a good hockey game," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "I like our team better now than before the game. There was a lot of positives, but we have to learn the new ECHL enforcement of rules. We're looking forward to the home opener, which is in less than 24 hours, especially playing in front of a huge home crowd against rival Columbia."

Gwinnett (1-0-0, 2 points) opened the score on the power play at 1:53. Jon Awe unleashed a shot from the point and beat goaltender Davis Parley through traffic.

Gladiators' Jeff Campbell, who was named the ECHL MVP last season, had a penalty shot and golden chance to extend Gwinnett's lead, but Parley came up with a big stick stop.

South Carolina (0-1-0, 0 points) scored its first goal of the season on the power play. Stingrays captain Cail MacLean buried a rebound shot past goaltender Dave Caruso to tie the game at 1-1. Donny Grover and Evan Schwabe picked up assists.

Gwinnett went ahead at the 14:53 mark of the second period on the penalty kill. Veteran Mike Vigilante, who didn't play professional hockey last season, gave the Gladiators a 2-1 lead through 40 minutes.

Schell tallied the eventual game-winner at 6:35 of the third as he buried a rebound, giving Gwinnett a 3-1 lead.

Stingrays veteran and alternate captain Matt Reid, who scored seven shorthand goals last season, closed the gap to one by registering a shorthand goal at the 7:36 mark.

But with Parley on the bench in the final minute for the extra attacker, Schell potted an empty-net goal to seal the victory for Gwinnett.

South Carolina converted on 1-of-14 power play chances, while Gwinnett went 1-for-11 with the man advantage. Gladiators outshot the Stingrays 41-35.

The Stingrays Carolina Dodge home opener is at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday against the Columbia Inferno at the North Charleston Coliseum. The first 7,000 fans will receive a Carolina Dodge rally towel. College of Charleston basketball head coach Bobby Cremins will drop the ceremonial puck. Activities begin at 4 p.m. with a carnival-like atmosphere out on the Plaza.

During the game, fans will be entertained by Super Fan Cameron Hughes all night with the ZOOperstars performing during intermission. Three lucky fans will win 1,000 Powerball tickets courtesy of South Carolina Education Lottery and one fan has the chance to win $1,000 with the Dunkin' Donuts Chuck-a-Puck.

Don't miss all the fast-paced, hard-hitting action! Full season, weekend, and partial season ticket packages are available by calling (843) 744-2248 and speaking 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 ticketmaster.com.

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

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