Stingrays Rally Past Ice Pilots 3-2
Published on March 18, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - Rookie forward Travis Morin, who was making his professional debut, scored the game-winning goal early in the third period to give the South Carolina Stingrays a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Pensacola Ice Pilots in front of 3,505 fans at the North Charleston Coliseum.
"We controlled the entire game," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "Our guys as a collective group deserve a lot of credit. We just finished 11 games over 16 days and won eight. We're going to give the players a day or two off and re-focus for the road game at Augusta on Thursday."
After a scoreless first period, Pensacola (19-40-4, 42 points) hit stride on the power play 58 seconds into the middle stanza. David Wrigley potted his 10th of the season beating goaltender Davis Parley from Rob Rankin and Jesse Baraniuk.
South Carolina (34-24-7, 75 points) tied it at the 11:33 mark, as Matt Stefanishion solved rookie goalie Adam Geragosian, who was making his professional debut after four years at Northeastern University, on the Stingrays 28th shot of the game with a quick shot that he tucked under the crossbar from the slot . Stefanishion's 15th goal of the season was assisted by Chris Chaput and Donny Grover.
Sergei Ogorodnikov gave Pensacola its one-goal lead back again at 16:31 of the second by registering his 16th goal of the year. Dan Sullivan drew the lone helper.
Just 12 seconds into the third, Peter Szabo poked in a Nate Kiser rebound in close to tie the contest at 2-2. Chaput also garnered an assist.
Then at 1:55, Morin, who finished his college season at the University of Minnesota-Mankato after being a 9th round selection by the Washington Capitals in 2004, tipped a Josh Anderson turnaround shot in for his first pro tally and game-winner. Stefanishion also picked up a helper.
Parley made 11 saves in the third to hold off the Ice Pilots and preserve his 30th victory of the season.
South Carolina finished 0-for-6 with the man advantage, while Pensacola converted on 1-of-4 opportunities. Stingrays outshot the Ice Pilots 42-22.
The Stingrays next game is at 7:35 p.m. against the Augusta Lynx at James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia. Listen live to Mike Kelly, "Voice of the Stingrays" on ESPN Radio 910 The Team and online at www.stingrayshockey.com beginning at 7:20 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 returns home at 4 p.m. on Sunday versus the Charlotte Checkers at the North Charleston Coliseum. The game promotions include Girl Scout and Youth Jersey Night presented by the Carolina Ice Palace. It's also Kids Day offering all kids 12-and-under a ticket for just $5 each, plus a postgame "Skate with the Rays."
ECHL Stories from March 18, 2007
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- Aces three-peat as West champions, lose in Fresno - Alaska Aces
- Thunder clinches first playoff berth in team history with three-goal third period - Stockton Thunder
- Columbia scores twice in the third to edge Checkers 3-2 - Charlotte Checkers
- Falcons Cruise Past Aces to Clinch Playoff Spot - Fresno Falcons
- Nastiuk and Wranglers Tame Ice Dogs 4-2 - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Cyclones Take 3-2 Win at Dayton - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Grizzlies Open Six-Game Home Stand Thursday - Utah Grizzlies
- Steelheads Drop Tight Tilt, 4-2 To Thunder - ECHL
- Royals Clipped By Wheeling, 4-1 - Reading Royals
- Gladiators Beat Everblades, 4-3 in Shootout - Atlanta Gladiators
- Salmon Kings sink Grizzlies - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Blades gain point in standings but fall 4-3 in shootout to Gwinnett - Florida Everblades
- Stingrays Rally Past Ice Pilots 3-2 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Grizzlies Drop Rubber Game In Victoria - Utah Grizzlies
- Tough weekend for Ice Pilots ends in 3-2 loss. - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Titans trump Chiefs, 5-2 - Johnstown Chiefs
- Titans upend Chiefs, 5-2 - Trenton Devils
- ECHL Transactions - Mar. 18 - ECHL
- Everblades get Kowalski back from Carolina - Florida Everblades
- Stingrays Face-Off Against the Ice Pilots Today - South Carolina Stingrays
- Rays Sign Minnesota State-Mankato Forward - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Ellsworth stops season-high 44 shots, Reddox leads with three-point night - Stockton Thunder
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