ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Lynx Stun Stingrays 6-5 In Shootout

March 22, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


AUGUSTA, Ga. - Garett Bembridge scored twice in regulation and the deciding goal in the shootout to lead the Augusta Lynx to a 6-5 come-from-behind shootout win over the South Carolina Stingrays before 2,049 at James Brown Arena.

With the shootout loss, the Stingrays collect one point and remain in fourth place in the ECHL's South Division, three points ahead of Augusta and three points up on Charlotte, who was idle. The top five teams make the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

"We got complacent in the third period," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "Guys stayed out too long on their shifts and we didn't generate much in the third. We can't dwell on this loss, but be thankful that we picked up one point."

Augusta (35-26-3, 73 points) opened the score on the power play. Bembridge beat Davis Parley in close for his 15th goal of the campaign at 11:07 of the first period, assisted by Weston Tardy and J.B. Bittner.

South Carolina (34-24-8, 76 points) answered just 37 seconds later. Peter Szabo, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, buried a feed from Jarrett Konkle for his 12th tally of the season.

Stingrays went ahead with the man advantage at 16:23, as Chris Chaput converted at the side on a pass from Matt Stefanishion to make it 2-1.

In the second, Stefanishion let go with a shot from the slot for an unassisted goal to count his 16th of the year at 2:08.

On the penalty kill, rookie Travis Morin beat McKee on a right circle shot for his second goal in as many games to give South Carolina a 4-1 lead.

Aaron Slattengren cut the margin in half at 12:03 of the second, burying a rebound shot for his 15th marker of the season from Joe Pereira and Ken Scuderi.

However, the Stingrays regained their three-goal lead at 16:14. Rookie Micheal Haley, who was making his professional debut, deposited a shot from the slot for his first pro goal. Donny Grover had the lone helper.

In the third, Greg Watson, Bembridge and Mike Erickson netted goals to tie the score at 5-5 and send it to the extra time.

Bembridge scored in the fourth round of the shootout, and McKee stopped all five South Carolina shooters to register his league-leading sixth shootout win.

South Carolina went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Augusta converted on 1-of-6 chances with the man advantage. Lynx outshot the Stingrays 44-27.

The Stingrays next game is at 4 p.m. on Sunday versus the Charlotte Checkers at the North Charleston Coliseum. The game promotions include Girl Scout and Youth Jersey T-shirt Night, which is courtesy of Palmetto Exterminators, Pivotal Fitness, Bayer Heritage and TNT Sports to the first 750 kids ages 12-and-under that enter the Coliseum. It's also Kids Day offering all kids 12-and-under a ticket for just $5 each, plus there is a postgame "Skate with the Rays."

Listen live to Mike Kelly, "Voice of the Stingrays" on ESPN Radio 910 The Team and online at www.stingrayshockey.com beginning at 3:45 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.

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!




ECHL Stories from March 22, 2007


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