ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Westlund, Alves Shut Out Stingrays 7-0 In Preseason

Published on October 14, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers received stellar goaltending from Alex Westlund and Jorge Alves plus two goals from Damen Rycroft in a penalty-filled game to defeat the South Carolina Stingrays 7-0 in the final preseason game for both teams.

South Carolina gave six players the day off to prepare for the regular season. Players not in the Stingrays line-up were captain Cail MacLean, alternate captains Matt Reid and Nate Kiser along with veteran defenseman Marc Busenburg, right wing Cam McCaffrey and defenseman Tim Judy.

Charlotte opened the score at the Extreme Ice Center two minutes into the first period on a goal by Bruce Graham, who beat goaltender Daren Machesney.

The Checkers extended their lead to 2-0, as Andrew Leach tallied a power play goal from the slot at 11:39.

"We'll be ready for the regular season," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "We sat out a lot of regulars and had to play two games in less than 20 hours. Now it's time to make some decisions on our opening night roster."

Charlotte netted three goals in the second period including two more with the man advantage. Kenton Smith, Rycroft and Blake Bellefeuille made it 5-0 for the Checkers through 40 minutes of action.

South Carolina's best chance in the second period came off the stick of Bryson Busniuk, who was robbed off the pad of goaltender Westlund.

In the third, Charlotte goaltender Alves took over in net for Westlund, who exited with a perfect 22 saves. Alves went on to make two saves.

The Checkers continued to bring offense as Dusty Jamieson and Rycroft tallied goals to complete the scoring.

South Carolina went 0-for-14 on the power play, while Charlotte converted on 4-of-17 opportunities with the man advantage. The Checkers outshot the Stingrays 39-24.

Additional notes: The Stingrays and Checkers both finished the preseason with identical 1-1 records...Charlotte training camp players that didn't suit up were forward Noah Katz, defensemen Dan Murphy, Kenny Smith and Jan Vodrazka and goaltender Chris Holt.

South Carolina opens its 14th season as a member of the ECHL on the road against the Gwinnett Gladiators on Friday, October 20. The pregame show begins at 7:15 p.m. on Real 1340 AM. Watch all games live on the web telecast for $6 each at www.stingrayshockey.com, courtesy of B2 Networks.

The Stingrays regular season home opener is at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, October 21 against Columbia at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Season ticket packages are available by calling 744-2248 and talking to a ticket sales manager. For more information, visit www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

Check out the South Carolina Stingrays Statistics

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ECHL Stories from October 14, 2006


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