Stingrays Knock Off Ice Pilots 5-4
Published on March 3, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Matt Reid scored a three goals for his first hat trick of the season to propel the South Carolina Stingrays past the Pensacola Ice Pilots 5-4 in front of 3,533 at the Pensacola Civic Center.
The Stingrays win combined with Charlotte's loss, South Carolina moves into a tie for the fifth and final playoff spot with the Checkers in the South Division.
"We needed that win tonight," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "Reid was all over the ice racking up the three goals. Matt leads by example and he's an emotional player. The guys fed off that tonight."
Pensacola (17-37-3, 37 points) started the scoring on the power play. Nate Metcalf beat goaltender Davis Parley at 13:07 of the first period for his fourth goal of the season from Sergei Ogorodnikov and Torry Gajda.
South Carolina (27-21-7, 61 points) hit stride on the power play, as Reid buried his 20th of the season on a shot from the right circle past netminder Evan Lindsay. Assists went to Marc Busenburg and Sasha Pokulok.
Stingrays exploded for four goals in the second period. At the 49 second mark, Reid netted his second of the game on the man advantage with helpers going to Brendan Bernakevitch and Matt Stefanishion.
Chris Chaput made it 3-1 for South Carolina, stealing an Ice Pilots clearing attempt and notching an unassisted goal for his 16th tally of the campaign at the 4:05 mark.
Reid completed his hat trick performance by cashing in at the side for his team-leading 22nd goal of the year at 9:28 of the second with Pokulok and Scott Romfo garnering assists.
Ice Pilots cut the margin in half as Rich Meloche scored his fourth goal of the year at 10:31 of the middle stanza. Ogorodnikov and Metcalf picked up assists.
But the Stingrays regained their three-goal lead at 12:18 of the second. Pokulok converted his second goal of the season from Chaput and Peter Szabo to make it 5-2 for South Carolina. Ice Pilots' Lindsay was lifted in favor of goaltender Michael Mole, who was perfect down the stretch making 20 saves.
In the third, Erik Johnson and Metcalf with his second of the game made it a one-goal game, but Pensacola couldn't get the equalizer.
South Carolina converted on 2-of-11 power play chances, while Pensacola went 1-for-7 with the man advantage. Stingrays outshot the Ice Pilots 42-24.
The Stingrays and Ice Pilots go head-to-head at 7:05 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Pensacola Civic Center. Listen live to Mike Kelly, "Voice of the Stingrays" on ESPN Radio 910 The Team and online at www.stingrayshockey.com beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Benito's Pregame Show. Watch the game live on the web telecast for $6 each at www.stingrayshockey.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.
South Carolina's next home game is at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday against the Columbia Inferno at the North Charleston Coliseum. It's Halligan's Night, which offers a $10 ticket in any level, $2 beers and 2-for-1 hotdogs.
Don't miss the fast-paced, action-packed, family affordable fun! Purchase your flex tickets today. You pick the games; you pocket the savings! For more information call (843) 744-2248 to speak 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!
ECHL Stories from March 3, 2007
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- Steelheads Bitten By Ice Dogs 4-2 - Idaho Steelheads
- Rudkowsky Backs RoadRunners To 4-1 Win - Phoenix RoadRunners
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- Wildcatters WIN, Back in First Place after 6-0 Shut Out at Utah - Texas Wildcatters
- Ice Pilots fall to Stingrays 5-4 as a third period comeback falls short - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Lynx double Checkers 2-1 - Augusta Lynx
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- ECHL Transactions - Mar. 3 - ECHL
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