ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays fall 3-2 in preseason opener

Published on October 12, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays had goals from Steve Pinizzotto and Matt Scherer, but couldn't hold off the Charlotte Checkers, as they fell 3-2 in their first pre-season game at the Carolina Ice Palace.

"I'm not happy with the out come, but all in all, I thought we played a pretty good game," South Carolina coach Jared Bednar said. "I saw a lot of positives out there I think. Obviously we still have a little work to do, but for the most part I'm happy."

The first period was dominated by the Stingrays as they out shot the Checkers to a tune of 11-5, but were unable to get of rust were the goaltenders as both made all the necessary saves to keep the first period scoreless.

In the second period, the Checkers took a 2-0 lead on two power play goals, as the special teams for the Stingrays ran into some trouble. "We haven't really worked on specialty teams and that killed us today," said Bednar after the game.

But the Stingrays played hard for the entire 20 minutes of the second period, and it paid off as they finally got on the board as Steve Pinizzotto got his first goal of the season with less than a minute to go, getting assists from Travis Morin and Scott Romfo.

In the third period, the Stingrays switched goalies putting Nunzio Presta in place of starter Josh Johnson. After the Checkers scored for a third time, Matt Scherer struck for his first goal of the season, with assists from O'Brien and Tim Judy.

"I saw what I needed to see, I'm happy with the guys I've got here, lots of heart, lots of desire, lots of speed. And I think we answered the question tonight, we can play. We've got the talent to get the job done this year, and now it's up to us to go and execute."

The Stingrays out shot the Checkers 35-16 in the game. The Rays finished 0-7 on the power play, while the Checkers went 2-3. The Rays, who were skating only five defensemen to begin with, lost T.J. McElroy part way through the second period with an apparent shoulder injury. He was taken to the hospital for precautionary x-rays.

The Stingrays will next play host to the Augusta Lynx this Sunday October 14th at the Ice Palace for the second and final pre-season game of the season. Game time will be at 4:05 and the Termites will be taking $5 donations at the door, with all proceeds going to the CYHA.

Don't miss all the fast-paced, hard-hitting action! Full season, weekend, and partial season ticket packages are available by calling (843) 744-2248 and speaking to a ticket sales manager.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (843) 554-6060 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Discounted groups tickets, birthday packages, Kids Club information and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (843) 744-2248 or by visiting online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

Check out the South Carolina Stingrays Statistics

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ECHL Stories from October 12, 2007


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