Late Stingrays Goal Takes Down Everblades 2-1

Recap Written by Robert Molnar 

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Jared Staal scored the game winning goal at 14:24 of the third period while Vitek Vanecek stopped 24-shots to lead the South Carolina Stingrays (37-18-5-3, 82 pts) to a 2-1 victory over the Florida Everblades (39-21-0-2, 80 pts) Saturday night at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Once again taking the early lead, the Stingrays took advantage of some traffic in front of the ‘Blades goal to get on the board just 6:19 into the opening period. Controlling the puck in the attacking zone, Marcus Perrier got the puck to Wade Epp at the right wing point. Stepping into his shot, Epp fired the puck through traffic and past the screened Everblades goaltender Anthony Peters.

Though both teams continued to receive their fair share of opportunities, including multiple power play chances neither side managed to find the back of the net for the rest of the first period and opening half of the second. Some solid goaltending from Anthony Peters and South Carolina goaltender Vitek Vanecek was the primary reason for the lack of goals.

Finally, midway through the second period, the ‘Blades took advantage of a loose puck in front of the Stingrays goal to tie the game. Getting the puck to the front of the net, a pinballing puck bounced away from Stingrays’ goaltender Vitek Vanecek and out towards an onrushing Matt Stanisz. Getting to the puck first, Stanisz banked his quick shot off a Stingrays defender and into the net.

A tense couple of minutes ensued for both teams following the Everblades goal with hard hits and scrums becoming aplenty. A late hit from Jared Stall on rookie defenseman Joe McNamara incited the biggest incident of the period with both teams becoming very heated during the confrontation.

Entering the third period, an edge to the game began to develop with both teams in search of a potential go-ahead goal. Taking advantage of a turnover, it was the Stingrays that took advantage of their opportunity to take a 2-1 lead. Earning a turnover at the end wall, Stephan Vigier sent a cross ice feed from the left wing side to the right wing circle. Receiving the pass, Jared Stall quickly flipped his shot into the top corner of the net.

With just over five minutes remaining in the game, the Everblades continued to fight in an attempt to find the game tying goal. However, some tremendous saves from Vitek Vanecek as well as some super defense from the Stingrays denied the ‘Blades at every attempt.

Vitek Vanecek was super in goal for the Stingrays, earning the win after stopping 24 of the 25-shots he faced. Anthony Peters was also solid in goal for the Everblades but suffers the loss after allowing two goals on 26-shots.

The Florida Everblades end their six game road trip Sunday afternoon when they head to the Infinite Energy Arena to take on the Atlanta Gladiators. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online byCLICKING HEREUpcoming Everblades Home Games

Friday, March 25 vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m. – KIDS NIGHT presented by Wendy's! Kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree! The first 200 kids through the gates will receive an Everblades /Wendy's giveaway! Options include jerseys, coolers, and back packs!

Saturday, March 26 vs. Greenville, 7:00 p.m. – Guns N' Hoses night. It's a hockey double-header as local police and fire fighters battle it out on the ice at 5:15 p.m. Then at 7:00 p.m. the Everblades will wear special Guns N' Hoses themed jerseys which will be auctioned off following the game. A ticket to the Everblades game gets you into the Guns N' Hoses game for free.  Pregame tailgate party featuring live music, bounce houses and face painting begins at 5:00 p.m....Safeguard Shredding Services will also be bringing a truck on-site to Germain Arena. Fans can bring anything that needs to be shredded before the game and Safeguard Shredding Services will shred for FREE from 5:00-7:00 pm!

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

Partial Season Ticket Packages:  Flexible partial season ticket plans are available to help fit your budget and schedule. For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team's main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Fans may also stop by our sales tables located in the concourse at Everblades games. .

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###