The Week That Was:
The Stingrays played three games last week, finishing with a 2-1-0 record. This week also found the team back at home with games against Dayton on Saturday night and Texas on Sunday night.
This week’s games began in Charlotte on Thursday, Feb. 8th. Despite a two-goal effort from Brendan Bernakevitch and rookie defenseman Sasha Pokulok’s first professional point, the Rays ultimately lost to the Checkers 3-2.
Saturday night found the Rays back on home ice for Faith and Fun Night. With over 8,000 fans in the stands, the Stingrays defeated the Dayton Bombers 4-2. It was the Stingrays second victory over a team from the North Division this season. Pokulok scored his first professional goal in the game and Evan Schwabe had three points (1g-2a).
On Sunday, Davis Parley recorded his second shutout of the season in the 3-0 victory over the Texas Bombers. The Rays were able to capitalize on the power play, as all three goals where scored with the man advantage.
Team News:
The Stingrays are 26-18-3 for 55 points. Their victories this weekend placed them ahead of Charlotte into fifth place in the division, only seven points away from first place.
The Stingrays are 5th place in the conference and 8th in the league.
The team improved their home record to 14-8-2 and now has an eight-game home winning streak.
The Rays are 6-4-0 in their last ten games and currently have a two-game winning streak as they head into the games against Charlotte and Florida.
The Washington Capitals reassigned defenseman Sasha Pokulok to the Stingrays on Thursday of last week. In three games, Pokulok has three points (1g-2a), including his first professional point and goal.
Daren Machesney, Marc Busenburg and Donny Grover remain with the Hershey Bears.
Center Matt Reid remains out of the line-up with a concussion. He is expected to be out at least two weeks.
The Stingrays rank 2nd at home on the power play converting 23.5% of the time, but are 24th on the road only converting 11.4%. Overall, the Rays are 5th with an 18.5%.
For the penalty kill, the Stingrays are 16th at home with 82.3%, 5th on the road with 86.2% and 10th overall with 84.3%
Stingrays’ Brendan Bernakevitch is tied for fourth in the ECHL with four shorthand goals.
Evan Schwabe is on a twelve game home point streak with 20 points total. His streak began on Nov. 25th.
Schwabe has moved into the top-20 in the league in points with 47. The league is led by Brad Schell from Gwinnett with 94 points.
Cam McCaffrey is third in the league with his six short-handed points.
Davis Parley ranks first in wins with 24, saves (1255), minutes (2441), and overtime wins (5).
Upcoming Events:
Feb. 16
Ladies Night
Ladies night returns on Friday Feb 16 when the Rays play Charlotte at 7:05 pm. This year’s Pink in the Rink theme will feature a myriad of events happening before and during the game. A Bridal Show, sponsored by Carlson Wagonlit, will be open in the North Meeting Room from 5:30 – end of the game. A vendor village on the concourse will feature area non-profit and retail organizations with a focus on women’s interest. The Rays will be wearing Pink Jerseys that evening with a silent auction to benefit the American Cancer Society. A “Pink Package” is available for purchase at a cost of $25 – includes 1 Ticket to the game, 1 Pink in the Rink T-shirt, and admission to Hockey 101 for women at 4:00.
Please call Stephanie Merholz at 843-744-2248 ext 1205 to purchase tickets.
Feb. 17
Military Night
Local branches of our armed services will be honored on Saturday Feb 17 as the Stingrays present their annual Military Appreciation Night. As always, all active and retired members of the armed services will have the ability to purchase discounted tickets at the North Charleston Coliseum box office on or before the game. Upper Level tickets are $8.00, Lower Level tickets are $11.50, and Glass seats are $14.50.
If you have any questions or would like to purchase tickets, please call Chad at 744-2248 ext 1210.
Matt Stefanishion is tonight’s guest on the Coach’s Show. See it live at Bobby Hartin’s Sports Grill from 6pm-7pm or hear it on ESPN Radio 910 the Team and online at www.stingrayshockey.com from 6-6:30 p.m.
Coming up this week is three games in three nights. Come out for Ladies Night on Feb. 16th, Military Appreciation Night on Feb. 17th, and Scout Night on Feb. 18th. For more information on all three nights, call the Stingrays at 744-2248.
Stingrays Neighborhood Watch:
Catch Scott Romfo, T.J. McElroy, Brendan Bernakevitch, Chris Chaput and Jarrett Konkle as they team up with 95SX on Valentines Day for the Mile of Men and evening happy hour at O’Malleys.
Chris Chaput, Jarrett Konkle, and Nate Kiser will be at the Trident Medical Center in Summerville from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.
Scott Romfo, Cam McCaffrey, and T.J. McElroy will be at the Trident Medical Center off Medical Plaza Dr. on Thursday afternoon from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. They will be joined by Cool Ray.
Look for the Stingrays Pink Jerseys out in the community all week long. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game on Friday Night with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.
The Numbers:
Record: 26-18-3 (55 points)
Home: 14-8-2
Away: 12-10-1
Goals: Matt Reid (19)
Assists: Peter Szabo (32)
Points: Evan Schwabe (47)
Shots: Reid (125)
Penalty Minutes: Nate Kiser (159)
Power Play Goals: Cail MacLean (12)
Power Play Assists: Schwabe (20)
Power Play Points: Schwabe (27)
Short Handed Goals: Brendan Bernakevitch (4)
Short Handed Assists: Cam McCaffrey (3)
Short Handed Points: McCaffrey (6)
Game Winners: Stephen Werner (4)
Wins: Davis Parley (24)
GAA: Parley (3.24)
SPCT: Parley (.905)
Plus/Minus: Nate Kiser (plus-7)
This Week: The Stingrays have the week off before playing three games in three days this weekend, all at home.
February 16, 2007
North Charleston Coliseum
7:05 p.m.
Charlotte vs. South Carolina
The Stingrays and Checkers meet up for the seventh time this season. The Rays are 2-4-0 against the Checkers. It’s Ladies Night with the first 1,000 women receiving a diamond, but only one of them is real! Check out if you won the real diamond by visiting Barry’s Jewelers.
February 17, 2007
North Charleston Coliseum
7:05 p.m.
Florida vs. South Carolina
Tonight will be the sixth meeting between Florida and South Carolina with the series record at 2-2-1. It’s Military Appreciation Night tonight at the Coliseum presented by Dodge. All fans who come to the game tonight will get Free Parking.
February 18, 2007
North Charleston Coliseum
4:00 p.m.
Florida vs. South Carolina
The Everblades are back for the 2nd game in a row at a 4 p.m. time. It’s Kid’s Day sponsored by Carolina Ice Palace with a $5 ticket for all kids 12-and-under. Today is also Boy Scout Night and those boy scouts will receive the 2nd half of their special Stingrays patch. Bring your dog for the Dog Days of Winter today, sponsored by Pet Helpers.
Fans don’t forget you that all the play-by-play action can be heard live with Voice of the Rays Mike Kelly online at www.stingrayshockey.com.
