COLUMBIA, S.C. – Peter Szabo scored the deciding goal in the fifth round of the shootout to lift the South Carolina Stingrays over the Columbia Inferno 3-2 at the Carolina Coliseum.

“That was a big win in extra time,” South Carolina Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant Coach Jared Bednar said. “We didn’t have any success in the shootout last year, but to win the first shootout game this season sets the tone. We’re now going to shift our focus against Gwinnett, as they come to town on Tuesday.”

South Carolina (4-3-0, 8 points) hit stride at 13:04 of the first period. Brendan Bernakevitch followed his own rebound and deposited his 2nd goal of the season beating goaltender Todd Ford. Assists went to Josh Anderson and Peter Szabo.

Columbia (2-3-3, 7 points) knotted the score as Owen Fussey tallied his first goal of the campaign on a shot from the slot getting the puck past Davis Parley. Helpers went to Alex Foster and Lucas Drake.

The Inferno grabbed their first lead of the game as defenseman Chris Barr found the back of the net through traffic from Anthony Battaglia and Jeff Miles at the 12:42 mark of the second period.

The Stingrays got back on even terms on the power play. At 3:11 of the third, Chris Chaput buried his fourth marker of the year assisted by Donny Grover and Ryan Bennett.

Things remained tied 2-2 through overtime. Stingrays picked up shootout goals from Matt W. Reid, Evan Schwabe and Szabo with the winner. Inferno tallies went to Fussey and Foster in the losing cause.

South Carolina went 1-for-5 on the power play, while Columbia failed to convert on three opportunities with the man advantage. Stingrays outshot the Inferno 42-30.

The Stingrays return home for their next game at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday against the Gwinnett Gladiators at the North Charleston Coliseum. It’s Firehouse Bar and Grill Night with $10 tickets in any section, $2 beers, and 2-for-1 hotdogs.

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!