AUGUSTA, Ga. – Louis Goulet scored in overtime on the power play to lift the Augusta Lynx past the South Carolina Stingrays 2-1 before 1,852 at James Brown Arena.
“Both teams competed hard and it was an intense hockey game,” South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. “After a lot of good saves and a couple good goals, it was an unfortunate ending. But we’ll take the one point and build on it for a home game on Friday against Charlotte. We have to be ready to go.”
Augusta (30-21-2, 62 points) opened the score on a rare shorthand penalty shot goal by Dirk Southern as he beat goaltender Davis Parley for his 10th goal of the season. Southern was awarded a penalty shot after being upended by Brendan Bernakevitch.
South Carolina (26-19-6, 58 points) solved netminder Dave McKee on the 17th shot of the game at 5:10 of the third period. Bernakevitch re-directed a Matt Stefanishion shot into the back of the net for his 14th goal of the campaign. Evan Schwabe also picked up an assist.
In overtime, Schwabe unintentionally highsticked Augusta defenseman Sean Blanchard and was assessed a double-minor penalty. On the ensuing man advantage, Blanchard fed Goulet, who ended the game with his team-leading sixth game-winning goal and 21st tally overall with 48 seconds to go in the extra period. Garrett Bembridge also garnered a helper.
South Carolina went 1-for-5 on the power play, while Augusta converted on 1-of-10 chances with the man advantage. Lynx outshot the Stingrays 33-23.
South Carolina returns home for a 7:05 p.m. contest on Friday against the Charlotte Checkers at the North Charleston Coliseum. It’s Family Fun Friday featuring four tickets, four hotdogs, four sodas and a program for $44. Advance Auto Parts also presents “Hit the Road with the Rays” which offers a chance to win an all expenses paid trip with the team for a road game.
Listen live with Mike Kelly, “Voice of the Stingrays” on ESPN Radio 910 The Team and online at www.stingrayshockey.com beginning at 6:50 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.
Don’t miss the fast-paced, action-packed, family affordable fun! Purchase your flex tickets today. You pick the games; you pocket the savings! For more information call (843) 744-2248 to speak 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!
