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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Simpson Sends Stingrays to Eastern Conference Finals with Four-Point Night in Game 6

May 11, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


Estero, FL - Forward Wayne Simpson recorded two goals and two assists to send the South Carolina Stingrays (8-5) to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2009 with a 5-2 win over the Florida Everblades (6-6) in Game 6 of the East Division Finals at Germain Arena Monday night. The Stingrays win the best-of-seven series 4-2.

Simpson opened the scoring on the power play 10:32 into the game ripping a shot over the blocker of Everblades netminder Daniel Altshuller (L, 24 saves on 28 shots) off the left-wing faceoff circle. Defenseman Drew MacKenzie picked up the lone assist.

Team captain Andrew Rowe made it a 2-0 Stingrays lead in the second period blasting a one-time feed from Simpson past the left pad of Altshuller at 9:35. Forward Derek DeBlois added the second assist.

The Everblades pulled within one 2:13 into the final frame as forward Ray Kaunisto slipped a shot past Stingrays netminder Jeff Jaikaitis (W, 30 saves on 32 shots), but the Stingrays reclaimed a two-goal advantage 30 seconds later and DeBlois tapped a bouncing puck past Altshuller. MacKenzie and Simpson chipped in assists. DeBlois struck again to make it 4-1 at 9:40 with help from Rowe. With time running out, the Everblades pulled Altshuller for an extra attacker in search of a spark, but the Stingrays hit the back on of the empty net thanks to Simpson's second of the game and sixth goal of the playoffs at 13:58. Forward Rob Bellamy picked up the lone assist. The Everblades were able to grab a power-play tally off the stick of Mike Aviani with under half a minute to play to complete the game scoring. The Stingrays finished the game 1-for-3 on the power play while the Everblades went 1-for-4.

The Stingrays advance to the third-round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2009 and will face the winner of the North Division Finals between the Toledo Walleye and Fort Wayne Komets. The Stingrays will host Game 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, May 20, Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 at 7:05 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum. Individual game tickets for the Eastern Conference Finals will go on sale to the public tomorrow, Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at StingraysHockey.com, by calling the North Charleston Coliseum Box Office at (843) 202-2787 and all Ticketmaster outlets including Ticketmaster.com.

Do not miss a second of the action! 2015-16 Stingrays Ticket Plans are on sale NOW! Save money off of box receive office prices and great benefits like FREE parking, Buddy Passes, discounts off of merchandise, advanced ticket purchases to North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center events and more!

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ECHL Stories from May 11, 2015


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