The Week That Was:
The Stingrays played three home games last week in three nights with a Friday contest against the Charlotte Checkers and games Saturday and Sunday against the Florida Everblades. The team ended up earning 2 of the possible six points and remains in fifth place in the division, tied with Charlotte.
On Friday night, the Rays faced off against the Checkers in a key division match-up. Despite two goals from Cail MacLean, the Rays ultimately ended up losing 4-3 in overtime on the hat trick from Bruce Graham.
Saturday brought the ‘Blades to town. Daren Machesney, back from Hershey, played in his first Stingrays game since Dec. 16th. In a tough match-up, the game went into a 14-round shootout with the ‘Blades scoring six times to the Rays five for the victory. The Everblades’ Derek Damon had the game-winning shootout goal.
On Sunday, the two teams battled again and the Stingrays fell 4-1. Cam McCaffrey had the Rays only goal, his tenth of the season, in the effort with Florida having two goals each from Vince Bellissimo and Derek Damon.
Team News:
The Stingrays are 26-19-5 for 57 points. The two points they earned this weekend kept them tied for fifth place with the Charlotte Checkers in the South Division.
The Stingrays are 6th place in the conference and 11th in the league.
The Rays are 4-4-2 in their last ten games.
Daren Machesney was reassigned by the Washington Capitals from the Hershey Bears to South Carolina last Friday. He played in both games against Florida.
Marc Busenburg was reassigned to South Carolina today and will be in the line-up tonight in Augusta.
Donny Grover remains with the Hershey Bears. He still requires four more games in Hershey before he is eligible for the ECHL playoffs.
Center Matt Reid was placed on the 3-day IR today.
The Stingrays rank 3rd at home on the power play converting 22.1% of the time, but are 24th on the road only converting 11.4%. Overall, the Rays are 7th with a 17.6%.
For the penalty kill, the Stingrays are 16th at home with 83.4%, 4th on the road with 86.2% and 6th overall with 84.7%
Nate Kiser remains third among defensemen in penalty minutes with his 164.
Schwabe has moved into the top-20 in the league in points with 51. The league is led by Brad Schell with 95 points. He is fourth in power play assists with 21.
Cam McCaffrey is fifth in the league with his six short-handed points.
Davis Parley remains first in wins with 24, and overtime wins (5) and is also second in saves (1302), minutes (2539).
Upcoming Events:
The Advance Auto Parts Hit the Road with the Rays winner will be selected at Friday night’s game against the Checkers. Sign-up now for your chance to win by logging on to www.stingrayshockey.com.
Sunday marks the last of the Dog Days of Winter. Bring your dog out to enjoy the game. It is also Kid’s Day presented by Carolina Ice Palace with another post-game skate with the Rays.
Stingrays Neighborhood Watch:
On Wednesday, February 21st Josh Anderson, Evan Schwabe, and Peter Szabo will be at the CYHA practices at the Carolina Ice Palace from 5:30 – 7:30pm.
On Thursday, February 22nd, Jarrett Konkle and Chris Chaput will be at the Hair Cuttery on Folly Rd from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.
The Numbers:
Record: 26-19-5 (57 points)
Home: 14-9-4
Away: 12-10-1
Goals: Cail MacLean (20)
Assists: Evan Schwabe (33)
Points: Schwabe (51)
Shots: MacLean (137)
Penalty Minutes: Nate Kiser (164)
Power Play Goals: MacLean (13)
Power Play Assists: Schwabe (21)
Power Play Points: Schwabe (29)
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 (3.21)
SPCT: Parley (.905)
Plus/Minus: Matt Stefanishion (plus-7)
This Week: The Stingrays play tonight in Augusta before playing twice at home this weekend against Charlotte.
February 20, 2007
James Brown Arena
7:35 p.m.
Augusta vs. South Carolina
The Lynx and Stingrays meet up again for the 8th meeting this season. The Stingrays lead the series 4-2-1, splitting the games in Augusta 1-1. The Lynx sit three points ahead of the Rays in the standings. Tonight’s game is broadcast live on ESPN Radio 910 the Team beginning at 7:20 p.m.
February 23, 2007
North Charleston Coliseum
7:05 p.m.
South Carolina vs. Charlotte
This is the 8th meeting between these teams with Charlotte leading 5-2-0. The Stingrays last defeated the Checkers on Dec. 28th in Charlotte. The Stingrays lost in overtime to the Checkers on Friday night.
February 25, 2007
North Charleston Coliseum
4:00 p.m.
South Carolina vs. Charlotte
The Checkers are back for the 2nd game this weekend 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. It’s also the last Dog Day of Winter; bring your dog out to watch the game.
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.
