ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Trounce Checkers 6-2

Published on March 8, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Chris Chaput scored twice and had an assist, while Peter Szabo collected three assists to lead the South Carolina Stingrays to a 6-2 victory over the Charlotte Checkers before 4,570 at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

With the victory, the Stingrays pull within two points of the Checkers for the fifth and final playoff spot in the ECHL's South Division.

"This was a huge win for us," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "Everyone contributed tonight. It was a convincing victory, but now we have to re-focus for home games on Friday and Saturday against Reading."

Charlotte (31-22-3, 65 points) opened the score at 6:27. Blake Bellefeuille unleashed a power play shot from the right circle beating goaltender Davis Parley for his 19th tally of the season. Assists went to Mark Lee and Hannu Pikkarainen.

On the next shift South Carolina (28-23-7, 63 points) tied the score at 1-1. Chaput deposited the puck past netminder Chris Holt. Chaput's 18th goal of the year was assisted by Cam McCaffrey and Szabo.

Bellefeuille went back to work and notched his 20th goal of the campaign at the 8:33 mark. Kenton Smith and Lee garnered assists.

Chaput evened the game with the man advantage by netting his second of the night at 16:06 from Szabo and Brendan Bernakevitch.

In the second, Stingrays' T.J. McElroy scored an unassisted goal with a shot between the legs of Holt to count his seventh goal of the season at 4:57 to give South Carolina a 3-2 lead.

Bernakevitch jammed home a loose puck on a 5-on-3 power play to make it 4-2 at the 11:51 mark assisted by Chaput and Marc Busenburg.

Nate Kiser, who missed the last three games due to elbow surgery, returned to the active roster ahead of schedule and completed a South Carolina rush by batting in the puck for his fourth tally of the season at 15:31 of the middle stanza. Matt Stefanishion drew the lone helper.

Cam McCaffrey completed the scoring at 5:11 of the third burying his 11th of the year from Szabo.

South Carolina converted on 2-of-6 power play chances, while Charlotte went 1-for-6. Checkers outshot the Stingrays 38-29.

The Stingrays return home for a 7:05 p.m. on Friday against the Reading Royals at the North Charleston Coliseum. It's Hall of Fame Night presented by The Post and Courier. In addition, it's Family Fun Friday featuring four tickets, four hotdogs, four sodas and a program for just $44.

Join 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.

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!

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ECHL Stories from March 8, 2007


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