Stingrays Attack Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Checkers
October 10, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release
North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays' smothering third period attack could not generate a tying goal as they fell to the Charlotte Checkers 3-2 at Extreme Ice Center Saturday afternoon to complete the preseason. The Checkers swept the preseason series 2-0.
The Checkers started the scoring early for the second straight game as Aaron Slattengren beat Stingrays goaltender Todd Ford low blocker-side on a two-on-one rush just 1:03 seconds into the game. Matthew Ford and Michel Leveille picked up the assists. The Stingrays answered back on the power play as Keith Johnson fired home a perfect pass from Johann Kroll beating Checker goaltender Miika Wiikman high glove-side at 10:19. Nikita Kashirsky earned the second assist on the play. The teams finished the opening period tied at one.
Checker defenceman Chris Snavely started the second-period scoring by burying a shot high blocker-side on Ford at 5:18. Michel Leveille picked up the lone assist. The attack would continue as Ethan Graham scored seconds later on the power play to give Charlotte a 3-1 lead at 5:43. Chris Chappel and Derek Couture acquired the two helpers. The Stingrays answered back late in the period as Nate Kiser sprung Johnson and Kashirsky on a short-handed two-on-one. Kashirsky would bury the opportunity and keep the Stingrays within one at the end of two periods of play.
For the second straight game, the Checkers would switch goaltenders to start the third period. Wiiikman came out of the contest in favor of Billy Sauer for the final 20 minutes. The decision proved to be a good one as Sauer shutdown the Stingrays offence to seal a 3-2 Checkers victory. Checkers goaltender Miika Wiikman earned the victory stopping ten of 12 shots faced. Ford would suffer the loss blocking 27 of 30.
Mark your Calendars - The Stingrays Opening Weekend is set for Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17. Friday night, the Stingrays drop the puck on their 17th season of hockey in the Low Country against the Wheeling Nailers at 7:05 p.m. It's FREE PARKING night and Magnetic Schedules Giveaway, courtesy of Comcast, as the Stingrays raise the 2009 Kelly Cup Championship banner to the rafters of the North Charleston Coliseum. Then, come join us early on Saturday for a tailgate in the parking lot before the Rays face division-rival Charlotte Checkers at 7:05 p.m. Doors open for both games at 6 p.m.
Don't miss any of the fast-paced, action-packed, championship-winning action of the South Carolina Stingrays. Ticket packages for the 2009-10 season are on sale now! Call the Stingrays front office at (843) 744-2248 for more information. For all the latest Stingrays news visit www.stingrayshockey.com
ECHL Stories from October 10, 2009
- Grizzlies Drop Preseason Finale In Idaho - Utah Grizzlies
- Nailers Conclude Preseason With 3-2 Win Over Chiefs - Wheeling Nailers
- Powered-up Jackals beat Reading in preseason opener - Elmira Jackals
- Chiefs fall to Nailers - Johnstown Chiefs
- Everblades Beat Gwinnett, 6-5 - Atlanta Gladiators
- Gladiators Drop Final PreSeason Game in Florida 6-5 - Atlanta Gladiators
- Cyclones Claim 7-4 Win at Toledo - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Checkers Sweep Stingrays In Preseason Series - Charlotte Checkers
- Bakersfield Condors vs. Stockton Thunder tonight - Bakersfield Condors
- Stingrays Attack Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Checkers - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Cyclones Forward Chris Mueller Returned - Cincinnati Cyclones
- "Grizzlies Live" Radio Show Debuts Tuesday at Ruby Tuesday - Utah Grizzlies
- Reign Tops Wranglers in Shootout, 4-3 - Ontario Reign
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