Stingrays Power Past Everblades with 5-1 Win

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Parker Milner stopped 26 of 27 shots to lead the South Carolina Stingrays to a 5-1 victory over the Florida Everblades at the North Charleston Coliseum Saturday evening. Despite the loss, the Everblades close out the four-game road trip collecting six of a possible eight points and maintain a four-point lead for the top spot in the division.

South Carolina took advantage on an early power play when Kelly Zajac jabbed at a loose puck at the top of the crease and slipped it past Florida netminder Anthony Peters just 90 seconds into the game.

Late in the period, South Carolina extended its lead to 2-0 when Joe Devin led a 2-on-1 rush into the offensive zone.  Devin slid a pass across the low slot that was hammered into the back of the net by defenseman Wade Epp to give the Stingrays a two-goal edge after the first period of play.

The Stingrays opened the second period with another power play and it made it count.  Just 16 seconds into the middle frame, Derek DeBlois skated down the right side of the crease and sneaked a shot high into the net over the shoulder of Peters to extend the Stingrays lead to 3-0.  Peters would leave the game for the moment allowing three goals on nine shots.  Alex Nedeljcovic entered the game in relief.

Three minutes later, Rob Flick kept the South Carolina assault going when he hurled a wrist shot from the left wing circle past Nedeljcovic to put the score at 4-0.   Moments later, Nedeljcovic left the game with an apparent injury and Peters returned for the remainder of the contest.

A rejuvenated Peters kept the ‘Blades in it the game, turning aside several quality scoring chances.  In the third period, Florida got on the board when Brant Harris called his own number on a 2-on-1 rush and sniped a shot over the shoulder of Rays goaltender Parker Milner to put Florida on the board at 4-1.

The Everblades seemed inspired by the goal and created several quality scoring chances of their own throughout the remainder of the period. However, Milner refused to the let Florida stage a comeback bid and eventually secured the win.   South Carolina later added a late goal by Joe Devin to cap off the scoring at 5-1.

Milner earns the win stopping 26 of 27 shots, while Peters takes the loss, allowing four goals on 25 shots, while Alex Nedeljcovic allowed one goal in two shots faced in seven minutes of relief action.  With a goal in the game, Brant Harris extended his point streak to nine games.

BOX SCORE

The ‘Blades will now return home to get set for a three-game set against the Manchester Monarchs next Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (Promotional details listed below).

Fans can catch  game broadcast on WJBX News, Talk & More on 101.5-FM.104.3-FM, 770-AM or by CLICKING HEREUpcoming Home Games & PromotionsWednesday, January 4 vs. Manchester, 7:30 p.m. – $2 Wednesdays! $2 Beers, Wines & Hot Dogs all night long!  Wednesday's are also College Night.  College students receive a $5 ticket w/ free parking when they present their College ID at Germain Arena.

Friday, January 6 vs. Manchester, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the  purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday, December 7 vs. Manchester, 7:00 p.m. – The Fur Circus (pictured below) will perform during the intermissions and entertain fans throughout the night.  Pregame tailgate from 5-7 p.m. featuring live music and bounce houses.  A great night to bring the kids!

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 atwww.ticketmaster.com2016-17 Season Ticket Plans Now Available!  Full and flexible partial season ticket plans are currently available for the 2016-17 season. We offer several tickets packages designed to help fit your budget and schedule.Special Offer!  Purchase any new ticket package for the 2016-17 season, and receive a $20 gift card from Ford's Garage!  Locations include Cape Coral, Downtown Fort Myers and Miromar Outlets in Estero.

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and you ma also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.This release courtesy of Fort Myers Technical College & Cape Coral Technical College

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