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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Rays Rip Grrrowl 5-2

October 14, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


Greenville, SC A year ago the South Carolina Stingrays relied on three of the top rookies in the ECHL for much of their scoring. After an off-season that saw two of those rookies' sign in Reading and another jump to the American League, the Rays will have to rely on first year talent again. South Carolina's rookies had a big night in Greenville on Friday, helping the Rays to a 5-2 win in preseason play. Rookie Dave Spina had a pair and John Hecimovic had a goal and an assist while Brad Parsons and Marty Clapton also scored in the victory.

"I was pleased with the play of our young guys tonight," commented Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons. "They played with poise and picked up the systems well. We still have some work to do, but this was a good start."

The Stingrays grabbed a 3-1 lead in the first period when Hecimovic, Spina and Brad Parsons all scored. Hecimovic started the scoring at 5:10 in the first when Jeff Legue stole the puck at the Greenville blue line and found Hecimovic cutting toward the net. The rookie from the Ontario Hockey League then beat Grrrowl goaltender Matt Migliaccio with a snap shot into the upper right corner. Spina would add to the lead with another top corner shot at 6:52. Parsons put the Rays up three when he stuffed in a Ty Morris pass at 16:17. Greenville finally solved Stingrays starter Maxime Daigneault with 27 seconds left in the frame when former Texas Wildcatter John Snowden beat the second year pro with a forehand move.

Marty Clapton netted a power play goal in the second period to put the Rays up by three again. The second period was highlighted by a two pad stack by South Carolina's netminder Daigneault that stopped a Greenville three on none. Daigneault gave way to Jorge Alves after allowing one goal on 20 shots.

Spina scored his second of the game in the third frame beating the Grrrowl defense out of the left corner and stuffing the puck past Migliaccio. Open tryout survivor Jorge Alves allowed just one goal in the third.

Notes: The Stingrays skated in Greenville without the services of Trevor Johnson, Robin Gomez, Ryan Finnerty, Joel Irving, Tommy Karlsson, Nate Kiser, Mike Brown and JF David.

The Stingrays will play at home this afternoon at 3:00 in the Carolina Ice Palace against the Augusta Lynx. The game is open to Stingrays season ticket holders only. The Rays will cut their roster down to 20 players following the game and begin the season on Friday in Augusta. The Rays home opener is scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd against the Columbia Inferno at 7:05 with a pre game tail gate party at 4:00.

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