Steelheads Clinch Playoff Spot in 2-1 OT Loss to Stingrays
Published on March 27, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release
BOISE, ID - The Idaho Steelheads (38-19-6-1) fell to the South Carolina Stingrays (41-20-1-2) 2-1 in overtime on Friday night inside Idaho Central Arena. The Steelheads conclude the three-game set tomorrow night. Puck drop is set for 7:10 pm MT.
Following a scoreless first period, South Carolina struck first with 1:32 left in the second period as Stanley Cooley was sprung on a shorthanded breakaway and deposited the puck past Ben Kraws for his 15th goal of the season.
In the third period, Liam Malmquist knotted up the game 1-1 as he banged home a loose puck in the crease for his 24th goal of the season.
With no score during the remainder of the third period, the game required an overtime session.
Just 30 seconds into the overtime stanza, South Carolina's Simon Pinard buried a second-chance bid in tight to secure the win and the extra point for the Stingrays.
Idaho's Ben Kraws made 21 saves in the loss. South Carolina's Ty Taylor turned aside 23 shots and was credited with the win.
Despite the loss, the point Idaho gained clinched the Steelheads' spot in the 2026 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs.
ICCU THREE STARS
1) Simon Pinard (SC, 1-0-1, +1, 3 shots, game-winner)
2) Liam Malmquist (IDH, 1-0-1, Even, 5 shots)
3) Stanley Cooley (SC, 1-0-1, Even, 1 shot)
Stay up to date with all things Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Watch all Steelheads home games on FloHockey and KTVB 24/7 (Channel 7.2) and listen on the Steelheads flagship station 95.3 FM/ 1350 AM KTIK "The Ticket".
ECHL Stories from March 27, 2026
- Brett Davis Plays Hero, Rush Rally in Tahoe - Rapid City Rush
- Rush Spark Late Comeback to Defeat Knight Monsters, 5-3, on Marvel Knight - Tahoe Knight Monsters
- Bison Earn Standings Point in Comeback - Bloomington Bison
- South Carolina Edges Idaho, 2-1, in Overtime - South Carolina Stingrays
- Thunder Suffers 4-1 Setback vs. Mavericks on Friday Night - Wichita Thunder
- Steelheads Clinch Playoff Spot in 2-1 OT Loss to Stingrays - Idaho Steelheads
- Preview: Royals vs. Admirals, March 28th - Game 63/72 - Reading Royals
- Knights Return with a 3-1 Win over Orlando - Atlanta Gladiators
- Walleye Fall, 3-2, in Friday Night Shootout to Fuel - Toledo Walleye
- Miura Scores Lone Goal for Iowa in 6-1 Defeat - Iowa Heartlanders
- Cyclones Win Big, Defeat Heartlanders 6-1 on Friday Night - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Komets Keep Hot Streak Alive with Win over Bison - Fort Wayne Komets
- Fuel Defeat Walleye in Three Round Shootout - Indy Fuel
- Worcester Drops Series Opener to Nailers 4-0 - Worcester Railers HC
- Gauthier Makes More History in 4-0 Shutout Win - Wheeling Nailers
- Everblades Hand Ghost Pirates Fourth Straight Loss in 5-2 Decision - Savannah Ghost Pirates
- K-Wings Bring the Lightning, Top Thunder in Gritty Road Win - Kalamazoo Wings
- Thunder Comeback Falls Short in 4-3 Loss to Wings - Adirondack Thunder
- Jake Boltmann Loaned to AHL's San Jose Barracuda - Idaho Steelheads
- ECHL Transactions - March 27 - ECHL
- Defenseman Aidan Fulp Returns to Icemen from AHL Rochester - Jacksonville Icemen
- Vitelli Recalled by Manitoba - Savannah Ghost Pirates
- Thunder Sign RPI Forward Dovar Tinling - Adirondack Thunder
- Rush Game Notes: March 27, 2026 at Tahoe Knight Monsters - Rapid City Rush
- Blades Continue Series against Savannah - Florida Everblades
- Adam Eisele Signs with the Gladiators - Atlanta Gladiators
- Haider & Nychuk Make Franchise History in 3-1 Win over Solar Bears - Atlanta Gladiators
- Americans Handle Grizzlies 6-2 - Allen Americans
- Grizzlies Fall 6-2 on Thursday Night at Maverik Center - Utah Grizzlies
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
