ESTERO, Fla. – Florida’s All-Star Game representative David Shantz made 32 saves in regulation and overtime, plus four more in the shootout to help the Florida Everblades to a 2-1 shootout victory over the South Carolina Stingrays in front of 5,831 at Germain Arena.
“I’m not disappointed with the effort,” South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. “I’m happy that we got the one point and when you look at it, we’re at exactly the halfway point of the season and we’re in a playoff position. We get another chance at Florida within 24 hours and it should be another great battle.”
Florida (24-10-0, 48 points) opened the score at 4:55 of the first period. Reggie Berg extended his goal scoring streak to five games by netting his seventh goal over that span and his team-leading 19th goal beating goaltender Davis Parley in front of the net. Assists went to Jonathan Lehun and Dustin Johner.
South Carolina (19-14-3, 41 points) tied the score at 1-1 on the power play in the final minute of the second. Matt W. Reid, who was named the In Glas Co ECHL Player of the Week, deposited his 13th goal of the campaign getting the puck past Shantz on the Stingrays 23rd shot of the game. Helpers went to Scott Romfo and Evan Schwabe, who extended his assist streak to six games by registering his seventh assist over that span.
It stayed that way through overtime and into the shootout. Everblades’ Brad Zancanaro and Chris Lee scored in the shootout while Peter Szabo replies for the Stingrays but it wouldn’t be enough.
South Carolina converted on 1-of-5 chances with the power play, while Florida went 0-for-5. Everblades outshot the Stingrays 37-33.
The Stingrays and Everblades go head-to-head again at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Germain Arena. Join Mike Kelly, “Voice of the Stingrays” for live play-by-play action on Real 1340 and online at www.stingrayshockey.com beginning at 7:15 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 Saturday against the Columbia Inferno at the North Charleston Coliseum. It is “Pack the House Night” with free parking and $5 for a ticket in any section presented by Budweiser.
Don’t miss the fast-paced, action-packed, family affordable fun! Partial season ticket packages are available by calling (843) 744-2248.
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!
