ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Road Warriors Stick It to IceMen 6-1

Published on February 13, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Greenville, SC - Forward Vinny Saponari scored twice and goaltender Braely Torris made 38 saves for his first ECHL victory as the Greenville Road Warriors (26-19-3), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, stuck it to the Evansville IceMen, 6-1, on "Stick It To Cancer Night" at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Friday.

The victory snapped Greenville's seven-game losing skid and improved the team to 15-9-0 on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink this season. In addition, Saponari (2g, 1a), Josh Nicholls (1g, 2a), Michael St. Croix (1g, 1a), Kyle Jean (1g, 1a) and Chris McCarthy (2a) each recorded more than one point. It was Saponari's first-career two-goal contest and Jean's team-leading 10th multi-point game this season.

The Road Warriors used their first power play early in the opening frame to grab a 1-0 lead courtesy of Saponari's 12th goal of the season. With Daniel Johnston in the box for slashing, Sean Escobedo collected a rebound behind the Evansville net and centered it for Saponari, who smashed it past goaltender Chris Driedger on a one-timer at 4:10. Escobedo and Nicholls earned the helpers.

Greenville extended its lead at 14:15 of the first period when McCarthy gained the zone, delayed and slipped a beautiful pass across to Nicholls on the right side for a one-timer that beat Driedger's glove. It was Nicholls' 14th goal of the season, assisted by McCarthy and Saponari.

St. Croix made it 3-0 at 12:15 of the second period with his sixth goal of the season. From the left side of the neutral zone, Jean gained possession and fed the puck across to St. Croix, who walked in and blew a slap shot past Driedger. Jean and Spencer Humphries notched the assists.

The IceMen came out firing in the final frame and recorded their only goal just two minutes in courtesy of Mark Anthoine. From the right circle, Anthoine carried the puck towards the slot and wristed a low shot under Torris for his third goal of the season.

The Road Warriors regained their three-goal advantage just 1:19 later when Ben Power tipped home his second goal of the season at the 3:19 mark. At the right point, Sam Noreau directed a crisp shot towards the Evansville cage that Power redirected from the hash marks past Driedger's right shoulder. Noreau and Emerson Clark registered the helpers.

Saponari punched home his second goal of the contest at 14:25 of the third period from McCarthy and Ryan Hegarty. McCarthy began the attack on the right wing when he slipped the puck to Hegarty at the back post. With no time to spare, Hegarty quickly fed it to Saponari at the doorstep, who completed the tic-tac-toe play to make it 5-1.

Jean capped the scoring with less than three seconds remaining with his 12th goal of the season from Nicholls and St. Croix. From behind the net, Nicholls poked the puck in front for Jean, who pushed it home for the 6-1 final.

The Road Warriors finished the game 1-for-2 on the power play and a perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. It was also the most goals Greenville has scored in a contest since January 2nd against Florida (8-4 win).

Evansville outshot the Road Warriors 39-38. Driedger made 32 saves and suffered the loss.

Follow: Keep up with the Road Warriors all season long and interact with other fans on the Official Road Warriors Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram pages.

Valentine's Day: Bring your valentine to the game tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. with our Sweetheart Special! For just $15, fans can purchase two red-level tickets and receive an awesome drink special. The Road Warriors will offer ALL fans attending Saturday's game the opportunity to toast their valentine with a voucher for a complimentary beer or soft drink upon entry to the game. Fans should visit the sales table at located at section 121 on the concourse to receive their voucher for a complimentary beverage.

For tickets or more information, please call a Road Warriors Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK or visit GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com/tickets-overview.html ! Go to ECHL.TV to listen for free or watch the games live.

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ECHL Stories from February 13, 2015


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